A few days ago, Cristiano Ronaldo executed an extraordinary header during a league game. However, despite his considerable finesse, the referee disallowed the goal due to a contentious decision. This incident is just one in a series of officiating errors that have plagued numerous matches in the Saudi Pro League. To address these concerns, the league has taken a remarkable step by appointing a 6-foot-tall, 198-pound giant known as the ‘World’s Strongest Referee.’
The Saudi Pro League has been steadily gaining recognition as one of the more competitive leagues in the world. Europe’s best players who have joined Al Nassr and other clubs in Saudi Arabia primarily attribute this surge in prominence. With star-studded line-ups, the league is now focusing on ensuring fair play by bringing in professional world-class referees.
Disallowed Cristiano Ronaldo goal prompts Saudi Pro League to appoint ‘World’s Strongest Referee’
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A pivotal moment highlighting the need for improved refereeing standards in the Saudi Pro League occurred. When Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on a hattrick as his headed goal was controversially disallowed by the referee. The decision was based on the referee’s perception that Ronaldo had pushed an opposition player just moments before finding the back of the net. Ronaldo’s visible disappointment indicated the ongoing issues with refereeing in the Saudi League.
In response to these developments, the Saudi Pro League is taking proactive measures to enhance the quality of refereeing. One such step is the appointment of the ‘World’s Strongest Referee,’ Anderson Daronco. He has been appointed to officiate the upcoming match between Al Nassr and Al Ahili.
🚨🚨|| تكليف الحكم البرازيلي أندرسون دارنكو لقياده مباراة #النصر_الأهلي pic.twitter.com/YMWkPPc89J
— كورة | #النصر 🦁 (@9NFCBALL) September 17, 2023
Anderson Daronco will join a select group of foreign referees entrusted with officiating duties in the league. This initiative has seen the arrival of several distinguished foreign referees. The League have brought in these referees to ensure fair and impartial officiating in Saudi league matches.
Daronco, renowned for his work in Brazilian leagues and the Copa America, holds the title of the ‘world’s strongest’ match official.
Anderson Daronco, the ‘Strong Judge’
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The 42-year-old referee stands out not only for his imposing physical stature but also for his sound judgment on the football field. His muscular frame, weighing 198 pounds and towering at 6 feet, gives him an intimidating presence that commands respect.
Daronco is known for making fair and just decisions during matches, regardless of his size and stature. This reputation has earned him the nickname “Strong Judge.” In a historic moment in 2019, he halted a game between Brazilian clubs Vasco da Gama and São Paulo after hearing homophobic slurs from Vasco fans.
Before becoming a FIFA referee in 2014, Anderson Daronco had a diverse background. He used to play handball and pursued a career as a Physical Education teacher.
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