João Pinheiro will take charge of the Champions League group stage clash between Manchester City and Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium in midweek, UEFA have announced.
Manchester City begin the defence of their European title at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, hosting Red Star Belgrade in the opening Champions League Group G clash.
Pep Guardiola’s side have never previously faced the Serbian club, who were also grouped alongside RB Leipzig and Young Boys in the Sky Blues’ Champions League group for the 2023/24 season.
Manchester City were unbeaten in Europe last season; successfully overcoming Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Inter Milan en route to a maiden Champions League title in Istanbul.
The Blues are currently unbeaten this season as well, winning all five Premier League matches, including Saturday’s trip to West Ham at the London Stadium, where summer signing Jeremy Doku starred.
Ahead of Tuesday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium, UEFA have announced the Match Officials for Manchester City’s meeting with Red Star Belgrade.
Match Referee
João Pinheiro has been named as the referee for Manchester City’s match against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday evening.
The Portuguese referee, who has officiated six matches so far this season, took charge of 35 games last year – showing 167 yellow cards and six red cards.
Pinheiro has never previously refereed a match involving Manchester City, but has acted as a VAR and Fourth Official for matches against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Atalanta.
Assistant Referees
Pinheiro will be accompanied at the Etihad Stadium by Assistant Referees Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia.
Video Assistant Referees
Overviewing proceedings will be Video Assistant Referee Tiago Martins and Assistant Video Assistant Referee Pol van Boekel.
Fourth Official
Cláudio Filipe Ruivo Pereira has been named as the Fourth Official.
The referee will be overseeing conduct within the two dugouts, and the behaviour of managers Pep Guardiola and Barak Bakhar.
