"We had no bad intentions". The referees of the Dynamo vs. Rangers match explained why they stole a road sign

Polish referees Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial, who had to work on VAR at yesterday's Champions League 3rd qualifying round match between Dynamo Kyiv and Scottish Rangers (1:1), commented on the scandal with their participation.

It should be reminded that on the night before the mentioned fight both of these referees got drunk (one of them had a breathalyzer showing about 1.8 ppm of alcohol in his blood, and the other - 1.7), and then stole a road sign in the street. The police detained them, fined them and took them to a sobering-up center. The "funny referees" were suspended by UEFA from working at the match.

Yesterday, the referees commented on what happened.

"Actually, I am still trying to find the words that will sufficiently express how much I regret that this incident happened and how sorry I am. I realize that with one such infraction I have ruined 22 years of officiating, ruined my entire career. It was stupidity, idiotic fantasy, I don't even know what to call it. I should have quietly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere. Then nothing would have happened.

As one of the policemen told me later, the CCTV cameras noticed our antics. And they intervened. I would like to make it clear that we were in no way violent. It was a stupid prank. We had no idea that it would be perceived that way. We had no bad intentions. The story about the sign was a silly game. Now, I look back and realize it wasn't a very smart idea. It was a sign that was lying next to a roadwork site. And we were walking by...," Frankowski said.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone and say a few words of clarification.

I'm very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid because I know that my unfortunate behavior will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.

What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am well aware of that. I just want to emphasize that there were no acts of aggression in my behavior, I did not break the law, there was no misconduct on my part towards police officers or random passersby. No charges were brought against me, I was only fined.

I sincerely apologize to the management of the Polish Football Association, especially to the Board of Referees, the authorities of Ekstraklasa and all those whom I disappointed with my attitude.

In particular, I also apologize to my family, as my behavior endangered their peace.

This is the first such incident involving me. Throughout the many years of my professional judging career, I have worked hard to get where I am today. And I have always tried to lead by example, both on and off the field.

I realize the consequences that await me, but I hope that I will be able to rehabilitate myself and restore confidence in me," Musial said in turn.

We should add that now both referees are under the threat of lifetime suspension from arbitration: the Polish Football Union has already announced that the College of Referees will send a request to the organization's management to terminate the contracts with Frankowski and Musyal.