Two Polish referees will not be involved in the Champions League match between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers following an investigation by the Polish FA (PZPN) into reports of inappropriate behavior.
Bartosz Frankowski was initially appointed as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the first-leg game in Lublin, Poland, with Tomasz Musial as his assistant. However, UEFA has now replaced them.
According to a statement from the PZPN, “The College of Referees of the Polish FA will conduct a thorough analysis of the situation regarding reports of improper behavior by two Ekstraklasa referees who were scheduled to officiate the Champions League qualifying match between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers FC.”
Polish media outlets have reported that the two officials were observed carrying a road sign along a street in Lublin. Following a breathalyzer test, they were taken to a sobering-up room by the police in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Both officials have offered apologies. Frankowski expressed remorse for the events that transpired on the night of 5 to 6 August. He deeply regrets his irresponsible behavior, acknowledging that it has compromised the trust placed in him. He also clarified that he was not aggressive during the incident, cooperated fully with the police officers involved, and ultimately received a fine. As a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the pair has been substituted by two different Polish referees for the match, which is scheduled to take place in Poland.
