Danny Makkelie, a former police inspector who became a top-tier football referee, has made major contributions to the field of refereeing international football. Originating from the Netherlands, Makkelie quickly ascended into the ranks of football officiating after he made his debut as a professional at the Eredivisie in 2009. In 2011, he had been recognized as a FIFA referee and set the tone for the next decade of significant officiating in the world.
What Has Been Makkelie’s Impact in Champions League?
Through his professional time in the field, Makkelie has officiated 47 Champions League matches, a testimony to his experience and confidence in UEFA. One of his more notable tasks was directing the tense quarter-final game against Bayern Munich against Arsenal in 2021. The match was a tense 1-1 victory for Bayern. His ability to handle the high stakes of games in a fair manner has earned him the respect of the top clubs in Europe.
How Has Makkelie Influenced International Tournaments?
Makkelie’s knowledge extends far beyond club football into the international stage. He has served as an official at important tournaments like Euro 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022. His role at these events was crucial especially when it came to his role in the Euro 2020 semi-final where a controversial penalty he ruled permitted England to advance to the final. It is a moment which is still fresh in the minds of fans.
What Are Makkelie’s Views on VAR?
As a strong advocate for VAR, or the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, Makkelie’s professional life has been closely connected to the technology. He set a record in the KNVB Cup match by being the first referee to change the white card into a yellow for Willem II’s player Anouar Kalu by using VAR. His decisions, which are often groundbreaking in the use of modern technology, have often sparked controversy, but they also have pushed the limits of the way technology is utilized within football in order to assure fair play.
What Was the VAR Controversy in the Dutch Super Cup?
One of Makkelie’s more debated decisions was in an Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse. In this game, Makkelie disallowed a goal from Feyenoord following an VAR review revealed that an award of a penalty could be awarded to Vitesse before. This particular incident did not just demonstrate the complexity of VAR, but also demonstrated Makkelie’s dedication to rigor, even when it means making difficult decisions that could alter the flow in the course of play.
Conclusion
At 38, Danny Makkelie still has plenty of years to go in his career as a referee. His experience in the Eredivisie as well as on the international scene have provided him with the expertise and knowledge to face the changing demands of officiating football. As football is continuing to adopt technological advancements Makkelie’s contribution will determine how these technologies are incorporated into the game. His legacy, which is marked by a mix of traditional refereeing skills and a pioneering approach to technology, will shape soccer officiating in the decades to be.