French officials handed Sweden friendly

A team of French officials will take charge of the March 1st friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Sweden at Lansdowne Road, the first game for new Irish manager Steve Staunton.

Experienced top flight referee Damien Ledentu will be the man in the middle in Dublin, with Eric Castellani and Didier Grenier serving as his assistants.

Ledentu was at the centre of a storm following a Uefa Cup match between Manchester City and Belgian side Lokeren three years ago.

He awarded a contentious penalty to the Premiership side, after which some Belgian players accused him of bias towards City’s French players – Nicolas Anelka scored the vital kick.

The officials for the February 28th under-21 friendly against Sweden at United Park, Drogheda have also been announced.

Referee Adrian McCourt and assistants Andi Regan and Tom Fairfield are all from Northern Ireland.

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