PSG vs Dortmund: Why Referee Cried After Full Time Whistle of Champions League Semi Final

PSG vs Dortmund: Why Referee Cried After Full Time Whistle of Champions League Semi Final

Fred Kennedy
updated at May 9, 2024 at 6:46 AM
In this article:
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA UCL
Europe
Paris Saint Germain (PSG) logo
PSG
France
35
Borussia Dortmund logo
Borussia Dortmund
Germany
34
  • Daniele Orsato was the referee during PSG's Champions League clash with Dortmund
  • The Italian match official was seen crying shortly after he blew the full-time whistle
  • The match ended in a 2-0 aggregate defeat for PSG, sending Dortmund into the final

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The Champions League cracker between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund was marked with emotional scenes after the full-time whistle.

PSG hosted the German side on Tuesday night, May 7, for the second leg of their semi-final fixture.

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg played at Signal Iduna Park, the Parisians were hoping to turn things around at home.

Daniele Orsato was the referee during PSG's Champions League encounter vs Dortmund. Photo by Valerio Pennicino.
Daniele Orsato refereed his final UEFA Champions League game in the semi-final between PSG and Borussia Dortmund on May 7, 2024. Photo by Valerio Pennicino.
Source: Getty Images

However, this was not the case, as Dortmund secured another 1-0 win at Parc des Princes to progress to the final of the European tournament.

Mats Hummels was responsible for the crucial goal, with the defender scoring shortly after the break to end the Ligue 1 side's hopes of tasting European glory for the first time in their history.

The full-time whistle of the match was characterised by mixed emotions, with the Dortmund camp celebrating in jubilation while PSG stars dropped to their knees in shame and embarrassment.

Champions League referee breaks down in tears

SPORTbible reports that amid all these, the cracker's centre referee, Daniele Orsato, also became a big talking point after the match.

This is after the match official was spotted crying moments after he blew the full-time whistle, leading to some speculation.

According to AS, however, Orsato was emotional as this was his last Champions League game as a match official.

The Italian is set to retire this summer after refereeing the Euro 2024 tournament.

The 48-year-old has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2010, with his incredible career allowing him to oversee a number of high-profile matches.

Some of the matches include the 2020 Champions League final in Lisbon, pitting Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG sets unwanted Champions League record

Sports Brief also reported on PSG setting an unwanted Champions League record after getting eliminated in the semi-finals of the tournament.

The loss to Dortmund marked yet another stumble near the finish line for the Parisians despite their confidence heading into the last four.

Authors
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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.