Two referees who were due to officiate a Champions League match this season have reportedly been banned by UEFA.
Back in August, it was reported by TVP Sport that referees Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were arrested ahead of Rangers’ Champions League match against Dynamo Kyiv.
It was suggested that the pair were arrested after being caught stealing a road sign by police in the early hours.
They were due to be on VAR and AVAR duty but were removed from the roles after the initial arrest.
Now, as reported by The Sun, Frankowski and Musial have been banned by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body. until June 30, 2025, for breaking “basic rules of decent conduct”.
Frankowski said in a statement: “I am still trying to find words that will sufficiently express how much I regret this incident and how sorry I am.
“I realise that with one such violation, I ruined 22 years of refereeing, ruined my entire career. I should have calmly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere.”
He continued: “As one of the police officers later told me, our prank was spotted by CCTV cameras and they intervened. I would like to clarify that we were in no way aggressive. These were stupid jokes.
“We did not suspect that it would be perceived this way. We had no bad intentions. It was stupidity, an idiotic fantasy, I don’t even know what to call it.”
The 38-year-old, who is also listed as a FIFA referee added: “Now, looking back, I understand that it was not a very smart idea. It was a sign that was lying next to where road works were being carried out and we were passing by.
“I am very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.
“What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am fully aware of that. I would just like to emphasise that there were no acts of aggression in my behaviour, I did not break the law and there was no unlawful behaviour on my part towards police officers or anyone.”