Even the Turin captain Bonucci was entitled to reprimands.
Stéphanie Frappart, the first woman to referee a Champions League match on Wednesday, did not have the whistle that trembles to lead a fairly decent match between Juventus and Dynamo Kiev (3-0).
After ten minutes of play, the first foul whistled was accompanied by a first yellow card, sent to Uruguayan midfielder Juventus Rodrigo Bentancur for a late tackle on Ukrainian No.10 Mykola Shaparenko.
And everyone understood that this premiere evening would not be that of gifts.
The 36-year-old French referee immediately rose to the mark for his first in the most prestigious of club competitions, having notably led the August 2019 European Supercup between Liverpool and Chelsea and two matches at international level. Europa League in October and November.
Present from the start of the match, with the same concentrated gaze she had on entering the field an hour before kick-off, with a ball in hand, surrounded by her assistants, only men.
But also a diplomat, one of her great qualities say those she refereed, discussing frequently with the players, as with captain Bianconero Bonucci whom she calls to order after a foul (24th).
"She managed an easy game perfectly"
La Repubblica
Shortly after, the French released her second yellow - more severe than the first - for the Ukrainian Zabarnyi (27th) for an arm in the face of Morata.
But this match is generally good, with few faults, between a team already qualified and quickly in the lead, Juventus, and another having only the third place synonymous with the Europa League to hope for during the drop curtain in a week.
There is a bit of tension when Morata calls for a penalty that Stéphanie Frappart does not grant, rightly (29th).
Same decision a few moments later after a collision this time in the Turin area, between Bonucci and Benjamin Verbic.
The cameras are again on the referee in the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo scores the second goal (57th), taking advantage of an action from Morata just in front of the keeper.
Offside, fault of the Spaniard?
A few seconds of suspense, a slightly tense face, and the goal is awarded to the top scorer in the history of the competition.
In an end to the match largely dominated by Juventus, the faults are more Ukrainian and the referee is forced to release his third and last yellow for Shaparenko.
She could give her last whistle with confidence and send everyone back to the locker room, after this first without a false note.
And receive the congratulations of
the Gazzetta dello sport
- "The Frenchwoman broke a wall" - and of
the Repubblica
- "she led an easy match perfectly" - but also the encouragement of Juventus on Twitter: "We are proud of to have hosted Stéphanie Frappart's Champions League premiere at Juventus Stadium!
"
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