Ex-FIFA arbitrator explains Rangers player's suspension in the match against Dynamo

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the return match of the third qualifying round of the Champions League between Scottish Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv took place. The visiting team won a convincing victory with the score 2:0.

After the match, former FIFA referee Sergei Shebek explained the removal of Rangers player Jefte on 51 minutes of the duel:

"Karavaev and Jefte came together in the fight for the top ball. The Brazilian player jumped ahead and above his opponent, playing the ball first, and Karavaev, not having time to reach the ball, got under the opponent's arm. There was a usual game collision. The Italian referee, apparently, did not choose the position well, looking at a crooked angle, believing that Jefte deliberately hit Karavaev in the face with his elbow. As a result - suspension. To be objective, it was a wrong decision. We could have continued the game. There are plenty of such fights in the championship of Scotland, England. And it is unlikely that referees stop the game there. But anyway, Dynamo played great and deservedly won. And the price of a penalty for Rangers was high. Unfortunately, in such situations with a yellow card the BAR cannot intervene, correcting the referee's mistake".

In the next round of Champions League 2024/25 qualification Dynamo Kyiv will play against Austria's Salzburg. The meetings will be held on August 21 and 27. In case of victory in the two-match confrontation, the Bilo-Syni will enter the main stage of the main European Cup.