Champions League Referee Suspended Over Death Threat Allegations at Khalid Al Murshed

Fabio Maresca, a long-serving Champions League referee, has been suspended from European duties following allegations that he "threatened to kill" Khaled Al Murshed, a player in the Kuwait Premier League, during a match.

The incident led to Maresca's immediate removal as the fourth official for the Champions League game between PSV and Sporting Lisbon. Despite the severity of the accusation, Maresca claims the remark was intended as a joke.

This controversial defense may allow him to avoid punishment in Italy, where the incident occurred. Maresca, who began his officiating career in Italy's professional leagues in 2011 and has been part of European competitions since 2018, now faces scrutiny.