THERE will be a familiar face in the middle during Euro 2024 this summer.
Clement Turpin, known for officiating in the Champions League, is taking charge of England vs Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25.
Turpin is one of the most experienced whistlers in this summer’s tournament.
The Frenchman began in the National league in 2006, taking just two years to reach Ligue 1 and the highest rung in the domestic ladder.
In 2010 he was given Fifa listed status, meaning he could branch out into Europe.
Since then he has reffed in 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers and was in the middle during Euro 2016 in his home country.
Turpin is a hugely experienced referee and has previously taken charge of both a Champions League (2022) and Europa League final (2021).
He will be joined by assistants Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages in Germany this summer.
The official previously spoke about how he never expected to take charge of such important games when he was beginning his career.
He explained: “I never said to myself that I would referee a European final one day.
“From the start, I preferred to set myself small targets and challenges along the way.
“I’ve never had a particular role model as a referee, but I’ve watched other referees and taken little bits of what they do and incorporated them into my own refereeing.”
Some of you may think that Turpin looks familiar despite not even knowing his name.
That could be because a lot of supporters have likened his appearance to that of Arsenal and Belgium star Leandro Trossard.
When he took charge of the 2024 Champions League semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, fans took to social media to joke that at least on Arsenal player had made it through.
One fan posted: “Leandro Trossard has made the #UCL semi-finals…”
Another wrote: “Dude’s on fire, deserved spot in the semis.”
A third said: “Wait a minute!! The referee is Trossard.”
A fourth joked: “Why is Trossard refereeing?”
While a further fan added: “This ref gotta be Trossard’s father.”
The rule enforcing European was in charge for the opening match of Euro 2024, when hosts Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1.
So far, that is his only match of the tournament.
He is back in action when he officiates England vs Slovenia on Thursday, June 25.
