Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Eduardo Iturralde González | ||
Born | February 20, 1967 Arrankudiaga, Biscay, Basque, Spain |
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Other occupation | Prosthodontist | ||
Domestic | |||
Years | League | Role | |
1995- | La Liga | Referee | |
International | |||
Years | League | Role | |
1998- | FIFA listed | Referee |
Eduardo Iturralde González (born 20 February 1967 in Arrankudiaga) is a Spanish football referee.
He frequently referees European matches in the Europa League and Champions League. Iturralde notably refereed the El Clasico on three occasions, in 1999, 2005[1] and most recently in November 2010, in which he was praised for his solid and free-flowing performance.[2]
Iturralde González was the referee of the Republic of Ireland's 2–1 win over Armenia in the last Euro 2012 qualifying match. Early in the game, he sent off Armenian goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky for a handball, although video replays clearly show that the ball hit his chest rather than his arm.[3] The red card decision was criticised by some reporters, who believe it may have cost Armenia qualification.[4][5] Two days after the match, the Football Federation of Armenia officially filed a protest to UEFA over the goalkeeper's dismissal.[3]