Champions League final referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz retires from football

2021 Champions League final referee, Antonio Mateu Lahoz, has announced his retirement from refereeing and was seen in tears after blowing full-time whistle at UCL final on Saturday.  Antonio Mateu Lahoz retirement news comes on verge of referee being named as a member of 18-man group of referees set to feature at Euro 2020.

Antonio Mateu Lahoz career

Antonio Mateu Lahoz was born in Algímia d’Alfara in Valencia and started his refereeing career in LaLiga back in 2008. Lahoz has been an international referee since 2011 with 44-year-old Spaniard having heaps of experience under his belt. He was also in charge of six Champions League matches this season, which include  first leg of quarter-final between Bayern Munich and PSG. After acting as fourth official during 2019 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham, Antonio Mateu Lahoz took charge of latest UCL final between Chelsea and Manchester City. 

Speaking with UEFA website on taking charge of biggest game in club football, Spanish referee  was quoted saying, “Honestly, I never really imagined that, one day, I would referee a Champions League final.”

Often seen as a dynamic match official, Antonio Mateu Lahoz is known for bringing his personality to pitch while refereeing a game. Mateu Lahoz found himself alongside Pau Cebrián Devis and Roberto Díaz for UEFA Champions League final last Saturday. He alrey has his next assignment up sleeve with Spaniard set to feature in Euro 2020.  It will be first and possibly last European Championship for him with 44-year-old set to hang up his boots at end of summer.

Antonio Mateu Lahoz Pep Guardiola history

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Antonio Mateu Lahoz share a controversial history with Spanish referee heavily remembered for sending off Guardiola in a Champions League match back in 2018. incident took place during second leg of Manchester City vs Liverpool quarter-final in Champions League. City striker Leroy Sane felt he h found back of net and scored a crucial goal for his team at Etih Stium only for referee to rule it out as offside.

Heing into game following a humiliating 3-0 loss in first leg, City h scored early with Gabriel Jesus finding back of net in second minute of game.  A second goal for Manchester club within first half would have brought m straight back into game but y were deprived of that opportunity following offside ruling. Pep Guardiola questioned Mateu Lahoz's decision during half-time break and was sent away for his conduct which forced Man City boss away from his technical area and watch remaining game from stands.