A REFEREE who once clashed with Lionel Messi has gone viral at Euro 2024.
Jesus Gil Manzano was the centre of attention as he officiated his first match of the Euros.
GettyReferee Jesus Gil Manzano went viral after his first game[/caption]
GettyThe referee had his own fan club at France vs Austria[/caption]
Getty Images – GettyHe once angered Messi and was snubbed for a handshake with the Argentine[/caption]
The Spaniard took charge of France’s 1-0 win over Austria and had his own mini fan club in the stand.
A group of supporters dressed as match officials, complete with linesman flags and signs.
One banner asked for Manzano’s shirt while another read: “No referee no party.”
Manzano was criticised for his officiating by pundit Ian Wright after the match, with fans also mystified after he failed to award a corner when France keeper Mike Maignan saved a shot from Christoph Baumgartner.
It is not the first time Manzano has caused controversy, with the veteran ref once clashing with Messi.
In a match between Barcelona and Girona in 2018 Manzano angered the superstar by showing his team-mate Clement Lenglet a red card.
Messi felt aggrieved by the decision and confronted the official at full-time, giving him a piece of his mind.
Manzano reacted by trying to calm Messi down, and even offered a handshake to remedy the situation.
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But the Argentine was having none of it and refused to reciprocate the handshake.
Manzano is one of 18 referees at the Euros and will be hoping to be selected for another match, despite the controversy he caused.