Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere has been chosen to oversee the final el clasico of the season and the return leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final pitting Barcelona against Real Madrid. De Bleeckere’s selection will add further controversy to a fixture that will be overflowing with tension given the events before, during and after the first leg.

Fans of both teams will undoubtedly have memories of De Bleeckere, although most of them will be unpleasant irrespective of team affiliation. De Bleeckere was on the field for the second leg of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final against Mourinho’s Inter team last year, and presided over a match in which Thiago Motta was sent off for a foul on Sergio Busquets. The Belgian referee also called back a perfectly legitimate goal from Bojan Krkić that would have sent Barcelona through to the finals.

Every move that De Bleeckere makes in Tuesday’s match will come under incredible scrutiny. Let’s hope the man is up for the task. Given his history with both teams, do you think this was a wise appointment from UEFA?

For a more detailed profile of De Bleeckere, see our previous coverage here.

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