South Korea vs Germany referee: Mark Geiger back in charge after Cristiano Ronaldo shirt controversy

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Joe Krishnan28 June 2018

American referee Mark Geiger will take charge of the crunch clash between South Korea and Germany in his first game since Portugal's controversial victory over Morocco.

Geiger, a veteran MLS referee, was accused of asking Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo for his shirt at half-time during the fiery clash at the Luzhniki Stadium. Fifa quickly dismissed the allegations, which came from a member of Morocco's squad, insisting that Geiger "categorically stated that such a request was not made".

Geiger, who has twice been voted as MLS referee of the year, gave up his career as a mathematics teacher in New Jersey to concentrate on his role as full-time official.

A referee with the US Soccer Federation since 2003, Geiger is vastly experienced; he was selected to officiate in the Gold Cup and Under-20 World Cup games, as well as the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 43-year-old will take charge of his second match in Russia where a win for Germany will guarantee Joachim Low's side a place in the last 16, while South Korea have a mountain to climb after losing their opening two games.

Known as a lenient referee, Geiger blew up for 42 fouls in his first game but handed out just one yellow card.

Man in the middle: Mark Geiger
AFP/Getty Images

Geiger also has a good knowledge of VAR having used the system in last year's Confederations Cup. With the video review system proving to be vital in the group stage matches so far, the onus will be on the American to use it effectively.

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