If Liverpool leave this final feeling robbed by the referee, you can imagine the comments. ‘At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.’ But hopefully France’s Clement Turpin will have no such issues.
He isn’t the most popular among French fans. But UEFA consider Turpin one of the best in Europe — hence his appointment for the Europa League final between Manchester United and Villarreal last season. That didn’t end well for the English.
Likewise he was fourth official for the 2018 final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, and we know how that ended. Liverpool will hope Turpin doesn’t fall for any Real theatrics tonight. He should oversee a fine final.
The French official was in charge of the 2021 Europa League final when Villareal bested Manchester United on penalties.
Liverpool and Real Madrid will face each other in the Champions League final for the second time in recent years - with the Spanish side taking bragging rights back in 2018.
The two sides did meet last season in the quarter-finals of the same competition, with Madrid winning the tie 3-1 on aggregate before being eliminated by eventual winners Chelsea.