Merk to ref all-England clash

Updated 11.56 Mon Apr 23 2007
Keywords: Mourinho, Champions League, Liverpool, Chelsea, Markus Merk, Benitez

Uefa has appointed Markus Merk, one of Europe's most senior referees to take charge of the crunch all-England Champions League semi-final clash between Chelsea and Liverpool.

The tie will be a repeat of the controversial last-four clash in 2005.

Jose Mourinho has accused referees of favouring other clubs following a weekend where Chelsea were denied a penalty at Newcastle

On that occasion, Luis Garcia scored a second-leg winner which referee Lubos Michel allowed to stand, although replays could not prove the ball went over the line before Chelsea cleared.

The first leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Merk, who is a dentist by trade, has established himself as one of the best referees in Europe and has featured in World Cups.

The German will be in the spotlight as Jose Mourinho has accused referees of favouring other clubs following a weekend where they were denied a penalty at Newcastle with the Chelsea boss claiming it was "forbidden" to award penalties against Manchester United.

Their fixtures with Liverpool - there have been 13 since Mourinho was appointed - have been eventful matches.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso had his foot broken in a tackle by Frank Lampard in 2005 while the Spain midfielder was suspended for the Champions League semi-final second leg later that season.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.