German ref.named

**geysir** · 31/08/2005, 10:04 AM

From the Examiner

Meanwhile, the German referee for Ireland's Group Four showdown with the French has sent off Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira in the last 18 months.

Herbert Fandel, a 41-year-old piano teacher from Kyllburg, flashed seven yellow cards and one red during a World Cup qualifier between Sweden and Bulgaria in March.

Like Kyros Varraras, the card-happy Greek official who lost control of Ireland's 2-2 draw with Israel at Lansdowne Road in June, Fandel enjoys elite status among FIFA's referees. He has officiated 18 UEFA Champions League matches, including the second leg of the AC Milan v Manchester United tie last season.

In February 2004 Fandel dismissed Keane for stepping on Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia during United's 2-1 defeat in Portugal. Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann described his compatriot as "very arrogant" in November last year after Fandel sent off Lauren and Vieira in Arsenal's 1-1 draw away to PSV Eindhoven.

Seven Irish players will be suspended for the visit to Cyprus if they are booked next week: Kenny Cunningham, John O'Shea, Andy Reid, Roy Keane, Kevin Kilbane, Damien Duff and Clinton Morrison.
end of article.
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Very arrogant even by German standards!

**tetsujin1979** · 31/08/2005, 10:59 AM

I'd be more worried about those carrying yellow cards into the Cyprus game, yellow card there and they'd be suspended for the home game against the Swiss. Surely not Kenny missing again??

**Cowboy** · 31/08/2005, 11:30 AM

I dont think this guy is going to help our cause

**Superhoops** · 31/08/2005, 1:22 PM

Originally Posted by Cowboy

I dont think this guy is going to help our cause

We should not be depending on referees to help our cause. All we need is a fair shake from him. I don't suppose he will have any reason to favour the French any more or less than he will us.

I have seen him refereeing before and he seems fair enough. He does not take kindly to backchat or persistent moaning, so Robbie Keane should watch out.

**Dotsy** · 31/08/2005, 1:46 PM

From what I remember of the Porto-Utd game Keane deserved to be sent off. As for Lehmann calling anybody arrogant that is surely a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

If we are gong to have anyone suspended for the next match let's be thankful it is Cyprus and not Switzerland.