Björn Kuipers has been awarded his first match at the European Championship by UEFA. The 48-year-old referee is in charge of the game between Denmark and Belgium on Thursday evening. It is the first game for the Danes since Christian Eriksen went to the ground last weekend in the game against Finland (0-1). For Kuipers it will be his first match as a referee in this final tournament. He was already the fourth man.
Denmark lost 0-1 to Finland in its first group match, while Belgium was far too strong for Russia (3-0). Kuipers acted as fourth man in the game between England and Croatia (1-0) and saw how compatriot Danny Makkelie was awarded his first two games in the meantime. For Kuipers it will be his sixth game at a European championship. In 2012, he refereed two group matches, as in 2016. In 2016 he also led the quarterfinals between France and Iceland. Kuipers and Makkelie are the only Dutch referees who will play this final tournament.
The game between Denmark and Belgium will have a heavy load on Thursday, as it is the first game since Eriksen collapsed against Finland. The Danish playmaker suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and was resuscitated, but is doing well under the circumstances. On Tuesday, he made himself heard for the first time via Instagram. “Given the circumstances, I am doing well, although there will still have to be some medical examinations in the hospital. But I feel good otherwise. From now on I will be cheering the boys of the Danish national team in the upcoming European Championship matches”, said the Dane.
Makkelie whistled his second game between Finland and Russia the day before. On Friday evening, he was already in charge of the opening game between Italy and Turkey (3-0). Kevin Blom and Pol van Boekel act as VAR during this duel, while they receive two French assistants: Benjamin Pages and Jérôme Brisard. Romanian István Kovács serves as the fourth official in Saint Petersburg.
Football zone keeps you informed about everything about EURO 2020
Curious about the current position, the competition program and much more European Championship news? Click here!
Related
More sports news