‘No no no’, ‘Not again’, ‘Hope the match will be fair’ – Many Man City fans react after hearing the match officials for the Champions League Semi-Final against Real Madrid

István Kovács has been appointed to oversee the Champions League semi-final first leg clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (Tuesday, 9:00pm CEST).

Pep Guardiola’s side were in the Spanish capital to secure their place in the semi-finals, as Pep Guardiola’s side survived Atletico Madrid’s attack, in a quarter-final marred by poor scenes in the closing stages of a tense 1-0 aggregate win.

The City boss looks set to face a headache of defensive options on Tuesday night, with Joao Cancelo suspended, and both Kyle Walker and John Stones doubtful for the game due to their respective injuries.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first-leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid, UEFA have announced which match officials will be involved in the huge clash at the Etihad Stadium.

It will be the third time Kovács has been appointed to a City game this term, meanwhile. Prior to the quarter-final first leg against Atlético, he refereed the Premier League champions’ 5-1 group-stage win away to Club Brugge.

István Kovács will take charge of Manchester City for a third time this season, after the Romanian was named as the referee for Tuesday’s semi-final first-leg against Real Madrid.

The 37 year-old has taken charge of 33 matches so far this season, showing 169 yellow cards and eight red cards.

Kovács, a FIFA international referee since 2010, will be assisted by compatriots Vasile Florin Marinescu and Ovidiu Artene, while Portugal’s Artur Dias will be the fourth official. Germans Marco Fritz and Bastian Danker will be the video assistant referees.

In reaction to the news shared on Twitter by Man City Xtra, many Man City fans have expressed their thoughts and opinions.

“NO NO NO NO NO NO HE’S THE REF FROM THE ATLETICO FIRST LEG”
Credit: @ConnorJBailey20

“Not again”
Credit: @Revanchist20

“They already have an agenda against us.”
Credit: @LightMe345

“i have been hearing marco fritz again and again. how is he?.”
Credit: @AmaanNalakath

“M. Fritz with several disastrous VAR decisions the last months. Of course he gets a CL semi-final.”
Credit: @SeBBeaRr

“As long as its not Uncle Lahoz, we are clear”
Credit: @Tinashe_Maburu

“Hope the match will be fair and square.”
Credit: @Stark03865875