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“Rizzoli to Referee Champions League Final”

22 May 2013

By Guest Blogger

Italian referee, Nicola Rizzoli, will officiate the 2013 UEFA Champions League final this weekend, a decision that is likely to please any football betting fan expecting yellow cards at Wembley.

Rizzoli is notorious for his strict approach and so far this Champions League season he has brandished 24 yellows in four games, including one red. Averaging six bookings a match, this ref is bound to get his cards out on Saturday evening.

Both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are preparing for the clash in what is likely to be a fiery encounter between the two German giants, as the two sides have endured mixed fortunes in the league lately.

When they met in the Bundesliga a fortnight ago, Munich defender, Rafinha, was sent off and five other players were booked.

Champions League betting fans should seriously consider backing another red card at Wembley and Rizzoli’s appointment only makes this outcome more likely.

Rizzoli has been on UEFA’s books since 2007 and officiated Fulham’s Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid, and the Euro 2012 quarters clash between France and Spain.

He has a lot of experience officiating at the top of the world game and is not a man to be fooled. He has not given a penalty in any of his Champions League games this season and is likely to book players feigning injury.

Therefore, if Champions League betting fans are looking for a concrete option, backing yellow cards on Saturday night is a good idea.

Dortmund and Bayern have more than just a trophy to play for – with domestic pride and bragging rights between these rivals also up for grabs – and the referee must be strong enough to stamp out dissent and foul play before tensions boil over, which makes Rizzoli’s appointment a smart move indeed.