De Bleeckere to referee Barcelona-Real Madrid game

By foxsports
Published

Frank de Bleeckere will referee the Champions League semifinal Tuesday between Barcelona and Real Madrid despite Madrid coach Jose Mourinho suggesting that the Belgian has previously favored the Catalan team.

De Bleeckere also refereed last year when Mourinho's 10-man Inter Milan side eliminated Barcelona.

An ill-tempered first leg in Madrid on Wednesday resulted in Madrid defender Pepe being sent off and Mourinho ordered from the dugout by German referee Wolfgang Stark. Barcelona won 2-0.

Afterward, Mourinho implied De Bleeckere and four other referees had previously helped Barcelona.

UEFA's disciplinary panel meets Friday to examine six charges against Madrid, Mourinho and Barcelona.