“Elegant even in his way of giving a card”: Clément Turpin’s performance praised after Bayern-Real

No controversy linked to arbitration Tuesday evening during the clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid (2-2), in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League. And even better according to some observers of the game, present on social networks like X or in the European press.

This Wednesday morning, the performance of Frenchman Clément Turpin was hailed as “perfect”, for example, by Marca, the main Spanish sports daily.

Appreciated by UEFA, “starter” in the 2022 Champions League final, the 41-year-old referee was still the chosen one for this Bayern-Real poster. Not an easy task when we remember the harsh words of Thomas Tuchel, Bayern coach, towards the Frenchman for his refereeing last season in the quarter-final against Manchester City: “He was below everything! “. But this time, no criticism from the German coach. Nor on the Real Madrid side, for that matter.

During a “clean” match (11 fouls in each camp and only 2 yellows distributed), without aggression or tension, Clément Turpin held the rank of a Champions League semi-final. A performance highlighted by two hot situations, again one in each camp. He rightly whistles a penalty in favor of Munich in the 56th minute of play after a foul by Lucas Vazquez in front of Jamal Musiala. He also does not hesitate on Kim Min-jae’s foul on Rodrygo, in favor of Real Madrid, in the 82nd minute.

TO RECORD 🎞️

There are referees who improve games and that is what an outstanding Turpin did. Not a single mistake in the 90’s and impeccable direction, transmitting tranquility at all times. Elegant even in the way he took out the cards, he did not receive a single protest pic.twitter.com/Dz0K40GnEy

— MARCA (@marca) April 30, 2024

Enough to attract the congratulations of the jury. “There are referees who improve matches and that is what a magnificent Turpin did. Not an error in 90 minutes and an impeccable performance, providing peace of mind. Elegant even in its way of giving a card. He did not receive a protest from the players,” notes Marca.

“What quality of the referee Clément Turpin this evening….Slow VAR, confusing rules: the best referees don’t care. They manage the matches. Leaders,” continues Jan Aage Fjortoft, ex-Norwegian international (71 caps).

How good was referee Clément Turpin tonight….

Slow VAR, confusing rules

The best referees don’t care

They are managing the games. Leaders

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) April 30, 2024

Words which will undoubtedly do good to Clément Turpin, still involved in an arbitration controversy in Ligue 1 during the clash between Monaco and Lille (1-0), a week ago, forgetting an obvious penalty.