Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez will oversee Celtic’s crucial Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. Celtic fans may remember Sanchez from a controversial 2019 Europa League match against Rennes. In that game, Neil Lennon’s Celtic drew 1-1, but Sanchez’s officiating drew criticism after he sent off Vakoun Issouf Bayo, who had just come on as a substitute. Bayo received two quick yellow cards, a decision that left Lennon fuming at the time【9†source】.
Given the significance of the Dortmund match, Sanchez’s history with Celtic adds an extra layer of tension to what is already a high-stakes encounter.
SEEING RED…referee Jose Maria Sanchez dismisses Celtic striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo as Kristoffer Ajer reacts in the 1-1 draw with Rennes in 2019.
In the 2019 Europa League match between Celtic and Rennes, Ivorian striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo found himself in a highly controversial situation. Just moments after coming off the bench, he was booked for a challenge on Rennes captain Damien da Silva, who had to be stretchered off. Two minutes later, Bayo tried to seize a loose ball from Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, but Mendy theatrically went down, holding his head.
Referee Jose Maria Sanchez, who initially took no action, eventually showed Bayo a second yellow card after Mendy’s dramatic reaction, leading to the striker’s dismissal. Celtic analysts felt that Bayo hadn’t made meaningful contact with Mendy, and that French players were exaggerating fouls to influence the referee’s decisions. Despite this, Celtic managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw, a result they felt was well-deserved【9†source】.
The incident left Celtic fans and manager Neil Lennon frustrated, and it remains a memorable example of Sanchez’s officiating history with the club.
THE LONG WALK…Vakoun Issouf Bayo heads for the tunnel.
Neil Lennon was furious after Vakoun Issouf Bayo’s controversial red card in Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Rennes in 2019. Lennon believed the referee, Jose Maria Sanchez, had initially waved play on after Edouard Mendy theatrically went down holding his head. Lennon remarked that there was minimal contact, and none with Mendy’s face, but the referee changed his decision and issued a second yellow card, leaving Bayo feeling “very hard done by”
With Sanchez known for his strict officiating, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side will need to be cautious tonight. In his last 10 games, Sanchez has shown 62 yellow cards and 4 red cards, signaling that discipline will be crucial for Celtic to avoid disruptions. The match against Borussia Dortmund will require composure from Rodgers’ men as they face a potentially card-happy referee【9†source】【8†source】.
In the 2019 match, Celtic’s goal came from Ryan Christie via a penalty, and the team lineup included notable players like Fraser Forster, Christopher Jullien, and Odsonne Edouard
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