Elite referees

Too many crucial mistakes...

In general, marking schemes are for the bin if a referee makes more than one big mistakes - i.e. if this has consequences for the outcome of the match. There's no point in giving 9.5 for referees where I read in the review - apart from this mistake and that big one - he had a good game and a promising future. Mario Strahonja had a bad day because - despite of what the fanclub will say - he good three big ones wrong.

Sending off

The second yellow for Payet was more than doubtful as there was contact just before the "dive". And in a match with two or three yellow cards in total, a second yellow for this "offence" is not wise tactically and not necessary either. If in doubt, don't give soft cards is a principle which usually works quite well.

Equalizer

The equalizer for Marseille sees the player almost on the goalline when the preceding header is taken, so a rather blatant ignoring of a clear offside position (the worst one is of course the one of the Schalke versus Basel game). It's no back pass nor does the ball come from the opposition. Even Strahonja should have seen that from inside the pitch.

Lewandowski

In minute 86 Lewandowski reaches the ball before the goalie outside the inner box. This may have gone very quickly, but it was no foul on the keeper but rather a clumsy challenge by him. So a strong penalty appeal in a deceisive phase of the match. On the whole, three big mistakes in an important match. I deduce a full mark for the offside goal and half of a mark for the two other incidents.