Revealed: Why Champions League referee was reduced to tears
and had to be consoled by RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose after Aston Villa’s win in Germany
Alessandro Giallatini has officiated in a host of domestic and international games
The 49-year-old was reduced to tears after the final whistle of his last match
An assistant referee was consoled by RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose as well as a number of his fellow officials after Aston Villa’s 3-2 win over the German side on Tuesday night.
Alessandro Giallatini was moved to tears as the final whistle at the Red Bull Arena marked his final game as an official.
The 49-year-old has been a regular on European and international circuits for a number of years. The Italian is a Serie A official and helped oversee almost 170 matches during his time on the sidelines.
Giallatini could be seen crying at the conclusion of the match as both sets of players and staff shook hands. He was brought into a warm embrace by Rose and could also be seen in discussion with the German boss as well as Aston Villa defender Pau Torres.
Several of the official’s colleagues also showed their appreciation in the final match of his career.
In addition to his domestic resume, Giallatini has officiated in 31 Champions League matches and 11 in the Europa League. He was also an assistant referee in three matches at the 2022 World Cup and four at Euro 2024.
