Shortly after blowing the final whistle in the semi-final clash between Paris Saint Germain and Borussia Dortmund, referee Daniele Orsato was caught on camera crying.
It would be recalled that Mats Hummels’ header in the second half sealed a 1-0 win on the night and a 2-0 aggregate victory for the Bundesliga side.
Orsato, who became a FIFA referee in 2010, was called upon to make some very tough decisions.
He awarded a free kick and not a penalty to PSG after Hummels appeared to bring down Dembele millimetres before the edge of the home side’s penalty box.
However, there were emotional scenes after the game, as that would be the last time Orsato, 48, would take charge of a Champions League match.
The Italian official is set to retire after Euro 2024.
Journalist Henry Winter, writing on X, said: “Italian ref Daniele Orsato showing how to run a game. Supported by VAR rather than governed by it. Strong, applied advantage, and decisive (rightly, quickly changed pen to fk. And Mbappe one prob 50-50). Respected by players.”