England-Croatia referee was called Grade E by Tuchel

Clement Turpin sent Thomas Tuchel to the stands in the Champions League against Manchester City

Published 5 hours ago

Clement Turpin has been named as the referee for England's opening World Cup match against Croatia on Wednesday - and was once described as a "Grade E" official by head coach Thomas Tuchel.

The French official issued two yellow cards to then Bayern Munich manager Tuchel during the German team's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City in April 2023, resulting in his ejection to the stands.

Turpin brandished five yellow cards during the first half at the Allianz Arena and gave a straight red to Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano for a last-man challenge on Erling Haaland, but an offside call from the video assistant referee (VAR) overturned that decision.

Bayern's 4-1 aggregate defeat led Tuchel to criticize Turpin after the match, stating: "Two things couldn't keep up with the level - the pitch wasn't in good condition and also the referee, unfortunately, was Grade E.

"I'd give him a one out of 10. He was absolutely terrible. It's unbelievable at this level.

"He was whistling for everything and anything. Everything was against us.

"In the end, we were never in a position to turn things around with three men against us. That's a fact."

BBC Sport pundits choose England World Cup XIs - who would you pick? Published 14 hours ago

BBC Sport pundits choose England World Cup XIs - who would you pick?

Published 14 hours ago

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has also encountered Turpin's strict officiating style directly.

While representing Real Madrid, Bellingham was physically moved away from the penalty spot by Turpin as he attempted to distract Bayern's Harry Kane during a penalty kick.

Despite his clashes with Tuchel and Bellingham, Turpin is considered one of Europe's top referees - having officiated the 2021 Europa League final and the 2022 Champions League final.

Turpin was also chosen to referee at Euro 2024, where he oversaw England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia.