A-League Officials Set For Crunch Matches Down Under

Soccer, Association Football

As the Isuzu UTE A-League 2023/24 season hits the home stretch, Football Australia has announced the match official appointments for a pivotal Round 21. The referees tasked with overseeing some potential blockbuster clashes have been unveiled.

The Melbourne derby between Western United and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park kicks things off on Thursday night. Experienced whistle-blower Shane Skinner will take charge of the cross-town rivalry, with George Lakrindis and Joanna Charaktis running the lines. Kris Griffiths-Jones dons the VAR hat, assisted by Kearney Robinson.

Friday night sees Newcastle Jets host Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium. Daniel Elder is the man in the middle, with Kearney Robinson and Andrej Giev as his assistant referees. Kate Jacewicz takes the VAR role, supported by Richard Naumovski.

A trans-Tasman tussle takes place on Saturday as Wellington Phoenix entertain Sydney FC at Eden Park in Auckland. Iranian referee Alireza Faghani will officiate proceedings, alongside assistants David Walsh and Ryan Gallagher. Kate Jacewicz is once again VAR, this time teaming up with Kearney Robinson.

Back in Australia, Alex King oversees the fixture between Brisbane Roar and Macarthur FC at Ballymore Stadium. Anton Shchetinin and Mi Suk Park run the sidelines, with Kris Griffiths-Jones as VAR, aided by Richard Naumovski.

The final match of the round is an intriguing Western Australia derby as Perth Glory hosts Newcastle Jets at HBF Park. Shaun Evans takes the whistle, flanked by Josh Mannella and Brad Wright. Griffiths-Jones and Robinson combine again as VAR and AVAR respectively.

With heated derbies, finals aspirations and pride on the line, it promises to be a make-or-break round of action. The assigned match officials will have their work cut out ensuring fair play and controlling the cauldrons of passion.

All eyes will be on these crunch fixtures as the A-League season builds towards a dramatic climax. The performances of both players and referees could have a major impact on final standings and championship dreams.