Match description

The motive for Mr. Mazic

Namely, referee Mazic had a strong motif, and that motif were Bo Karlsson, official UEFA observer and Referee Committee member, and Kyros Vassaras, his host at this game, a new member of this UEFA body and also a resident of Thessalonica (everyone who deals with the matters of football knows that the opinion of these men means a lot for the development and further advancement of this referee).

Application and interpretation Laws of the game ,control the game, tactical approach

Generally speaking, in my opinion, the referee team from Serbia did a good job. Referee Mazic chose good judging tactics and made a very authoritative and secure impression at the game, which he controlled excellently from the beginning till the end. He is outstandingly physically fit, he always found himself close to the place where the offense had taken place, and it was also apparent that the players had confidence in him and that they respected him.
The only moment in the game where I had doubts, as a spectator and a reporter, was in the 29th minute of the game, whether the penalty kick for Tottenham was just or simulation (tricking the referee). Mazic WAS VERY CLOSE, he authoritatively and energetically made it clear that Kane wanted to "trick" him and awarded him the yellow card. I leave this in the domain of the free referee belief. I re-winded the frame in slow-motion for 30 times and I am still not convinced that the 18-year-old had the intention to "trick" Mr. Mazic. What I am sure of is that Cudicini made a late start, that he brushed Athanasiadis's leg and that the penalty kick for PAOK was justly awarded. Also after watching the footage again, I am SURE that Mazic had entirely justly repeated the penalty kick, since two PAOK players were within the penalty area before Lino performed the shot (this can be seen on the GREEK TV recording). Some would "with evil intents" say that he is bringing himself to the center of attention, that he is making a "circus". But, the Laws of the Game are CLEAR (Law 14) and this was a superb referee decision.

The application of disciplinary measures and teamwork

When applying the disciplinary actions, he was precise and consistent. All yellow cards were justly awarded by applying the same criterion for both teams. Referee Mazic had tried to maximally let the game develop as much as it was possible in such setting of the game (I had the impression that the teams were comfortable with a weak and slow rhythm).
As a virtue of this referee, I point out the good settings and noticing the hidden pressings and retreats. Also, he easily changes the rhythm of his moving and, what I did not notice earlier, he much more uses his running backwards.
Assistant referees did their job flawlessly. They seemed very synchronized and their "team work" is highly commendable.

General comments

In general, Mazic seemed calm, secure and authoritative, and thereby did not allow any doubts regarding his decisions. Even in the 29th minute he "persuaded" all that the penalty kick for Tottenham did not exist, that it was a simulation. However, I distance myself from evaluating the said situation (I leave it in the sphere of the free referee belief). I find that the most rational solution of that particular situation would be not to whistle anything - the penalty kick would be "too easy ", and I am not convinced that there was a "simulation". I would appreciate if some of my esteemed colleagues watched the game and gave their opinion of the "disputable" situation. I would like to hear what Bo Karlsson thinks?!:)