Björn Kuipers whistled his last game as a professional referee on Saturday. The 48-year-old referee said goodbye after PSV’s win over Ajax (0-4) in the battle for the Johan Cruijff Scale. After the game, Kuipers called the first half of the match between Ajax and PSV intense in particular. “But it wasn’t very difficult,” assured the referee, who did need help from his assistants to make a good decision.
Kuipers needed the help of VAR to send Nicolás Tagliafico off the field. “I thought of a yellow card, but I was immediately told that Sander van Roekel and Erwin Zeinstra thought it was red. It was a flying tackle. I wanted to draw yellow, but then I kept the peace for a while. Tagliafico flies in nicely, I see. Especially that left leg. It’s just a dangerous tackle. What makes it dangerous is that second leg on the standing leg.”
Pierluigi Collina with beautiful words for Björn Kuipers ?? pic.twitter.com/fIHcxVSDTq
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) August 7, 2021
Kuipers also explained why it took a long time before the VAR rejected Ajax’s goal, the possible 1-1. “At the European Championship we were with a bigger team. That’s why it takes a little longer.” Kuipers could have played in the Eredivisie for a while. “But I just want to feel good when I say goodbye. And I can decide my own goodbye. I don’t need to whistle to live,” emphasized the owner of two supermarkets in Oldenzaal. “I am lucky that I have the opportunity to say goodbye here in the Netherlands. That was a very big wish of mine.”
“I’ve seen everything, experienced everything and had wonderful competitions, both nationally and internationally,” emphasized Kuipers. “I’m going to miss the thrill of accelerating to a competition, but I wanted a good feeling when I said goodbye and could now decide for myself. ” Before the start of the match in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Kuipers received gifts from Ajax and PSV, among others, and he took his son onto the field before kick-off, who played the toss.
After the game, Kuipers was addressed by professional football director Eric Gudde and he was shown in front of the camera ESPN a video message from former top referee Pierluigi Collina. “Björn, what can I say on a day like today?” the Italian wondered aloud. “I’ll keep it simple: congratulations. Now is the time to spend more time with your family, but I’m also going to apologize in advance.”
“I’m afraid we won’t leave you at home for too long. Referees need you, football needs you. See you soon!” Kuipers was visibly impressed by the video. “What a great message. Really great job, thank you for that,” he stammered after seeing the images.