Collina, Pierluigi

The biggest loss of euro 2000 was not england, or germany, or the flair of players like hagi, but the fact that Italy made the semis, it meant that this man Pierluigi Collina, had to go home, as officials from the last four represented countries cannot be appointed further. Collina has stood out like a beacon as a great ref over the last few years, particularly in the 1999 Champions League final between Man United and Bayern Munich He isnt scared to have a go back at players, ands wont stand for any nonsense on the pitch. Sure, like any ref he makes a few mistakes, but thats acceptable as they are few and far between. He commands the respect of players and ...  Read the complete review

This Uncle Fester lookalike has got to be the best referee in the world. Even on the TV you can sense the respect he gets from both sets of players on the park. He doesn't accept any nonsense or play acting either. There was a match where he physically pushed a complaining player out of his way before giving him a stare that would scare the living daylights out of you. To be honest he could have this ruthless air and still be a poor referee, but all games I've seen him officiate, have flowed freely, and apart from his bald dome, Collina would have went through the match unnoticed. If only the British game could get a few refs of Collina's calibre, it ...  Read the complete review

He is, in my view, undoubtably the best referee we've seen in Euro 2000. If you watch Italian football regularly you'll see that this guy never has a bad game - that's why he is regarded as the world's number 1. He often doesn't feel the need to show numerous yellow cards to show his authority - he doesn't need to (look at the head and the eyes...)! This ref is immense, you don't step out of line when he's in charge. The one thing he really does clamp down on, and rightly so, is diving/playacting. Those Serie A players must really hate him - they can't play their natural game for 10 minutes without being sent off. ...  Read the complete review

adamdavid wrote a brief but accurate opinion on this first class referee. 'Luigi is masterful, not one to be trifled with and his decisions are 99% spot on. Paul Ince may not agree but his refereeing skills at domestic level are as well respected as his world status. Mechanic he may sometimes be in his approach but he always eschews professionalism and a genuine love for the game. To get to his level takes a great deal of personal ambition and dedication, and too cope with heated situations as well as he does is magnificent. All that we need now is for some of this to rub off on the so-called supporters of the game. Don't mess! ...  Read the complete review

Occasionally Collina makes decisions which decide the outcome of too many matches - not a sign of a great referee in my book! Best referees are those who let the game flow, and are rarely noticed while the match is in progress. I realise this is not always possible with some of the dirty play and diving that goes on these days, but for me Collina is too involved and insists on letting everyone know he's the boss when on some occasions this is not necessary. ...  Read the complete review