“Will Celtic be Lucky or Unlucky?” – A DEADLY match incoming for Celtic as the Referee previously SUSPENDED for Match-fixing has been appointed as the Referee to Take Charge of Celtic Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb.

Celtic’s upcoming Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia has gained added intrigue with the appointment of German referee Felix Zwayer. The 43-year-old official, who has a controversial history involving a match-fixing scandal, is set to oversee the crucial league-phase encounter on Tuesday night.

Zwayer’s Checkered Past

Zwayer’s career as a referee has not been without controversy. He was suspended by the German Football Association (DFB) after being implicated in a match-fixing scandal involving a €300 bribe during a 2. Bundesliga match between Wuppertaler SV and Werder Bremen B. Although Zwayer was initially penalized for his involvement, his cooperation with authorities in exposing fellow referee Robert Hoyzer’s wider match-fixing scheme led to a lighter punishment. Hoyzer, the central figure in the scandal, was subsequently jailed and handed a lifetime ban from football.

News of Zwayer’s past resurfaced in German media only recently, years after the incident, sparking fresh debate about the integrity of officials in football.

Appointment for Celtic’s Match

Despite his contentious background, Zwayer has built a high-profile officiating career, including refereeing the Euro 2024 semi-final between England and the Netherlands. For Tuesday’s match, Zwayer will be supported by assistants Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz, with Florian Badstubner acting as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team comprises Sascha Stegemann and assistant Johan Pfeifer.

Celtic fans are likely to keep a close eye on Zwayer’s decisions, given the high stakes of the Champions League match and his prior interactions with the club.

Previous Matches Involving Celtic

Zwayer has officiated two of Celtic’s matches in the past. The first was a 2-1 loss to Ajax during the Europa League group stage in 2015. More recently, he oversaw Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last year. Both games were hard-fought contests, and fans are hoping for fair and unbiased officiating in the upcoming tie.

Controversy and Football Integrity

Zwayer’s appointment has reignited debates about the transparency and accountability of referees in top-tier football. Critics question whether someone with a history of corruption allegations should continue officiating high-profile matches. Supporters argue that Zwayer’s subsequent career and his role in exposing a broader scandal demonstrate his commitment to the sport’s integrity.

The Match’s Significance

For Celtic, the match against Dinamo Zagreb represents a critical opportunity to secure points and improve their standing in the Champions League. The team will aim to overcome the distractions surrounding Zwayer’s appointment and focus on delivering a strong performance on the pitch.

The choice of Zwayer as referee adds an extra layer of complexity to what promises to be a highly competitive encounter. As Celtic fans and players prepare for the challenge, all eyes will be on the man in the middle to ensure the game is decided fairly and in the spirit of football.