Here is all you need to know about Romanian referee Iuliana Demetrescu including her age, career, bio and more
Another referee contriversy in football! Ian Wright labelled referee Iuliana Demetrescu’s decision to send Chelsea Women’s defender Kadeisha Buchanan off the pitch for the second time in the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge a “disgrace”.
He took over his official X account to address his frustration saying, Buchanan sending off is a disgraceful decision.”
After losing their first game at home in more than five years, Chelsea leads 1-0 going into the second leg of their contest against Barcelona. The visitors were tied overall at the half, but Aitana Bonmatí’s shot took Buchanan off guard.
Who is Iuliana Demetrescu football referee of Barcelona vs Chelsea women Champions League 2024 semi-final
After the center-back received two very light yellow cards, Chelsea had ten men left, and Iuliana Demetrescu then awarded a questionable penalty. This decision was criticised by Chelsea boss Emma Hayes as well calling referee that they “robbed” them. She stated:
She’s famous for easy cards. That [red card] was probably the worst decision in UEFA Women’s Champions League history. We were robbed.”
"That is probably the worst decision in UEFA Women's Champions League history"
Emma Hayes criticises referee Iuliana Demetrescu's decisions in their loss against Barcelona 😬 pic.twitter.com/R2wbfzw7lD
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) April 27, 2024
Meanwhile, users on the internet were quick enough to express their disappointment towards Demetrescu. One wrote, ”
Congratulations to Iuliana Demetrescu for an outstanding performance to send Barcelona to the Final.
You can’t do anything when the referee puts on such a brilliant show.”
Congratulations to Iuliana Demetrescu for an outstanding performance to send Barcelona to the Final.
You can’t do anything when the referee puts on such a brilliant show.
— Tom Overend (@tovers98) April 27, 2024
Another wrote, “The other MVP was referee Iuliana Demetrescu.”
The other MVP was referee Iuliana Demetrescu. 🟥👑 pic.twitter.com/bnT4eiHniA
— JAM (@JAM_MeMeMe) April 28, 2024
Another, “Please hand over the award to its rightful recipient: Iuliana Demetrescu. What a disgrace!”
Please hand over the award to its rightful recipient: Iuliana Demetrescu. What a disgrace! 🤨🤨
— John Mukaragi (@JohnMuka) April 27, 2024
While she is now talk of the town, let us have a look at who she is.
Who is Iuliana Demetrescu?
Iuliana Demetrescu is a Romanian refree who was born on January 10, 1990 in Ramnicu Valcea, Romania. The 34-year-old has been into the field of International Football since 2016 and came has been working as a referee since 2009.
Demetrescu officiated several leagues and competitions like UEFA Youth League, Super Liga, Liga 2 PLAY Out, FIFA Women’s World Cup and most recently Champions League semifinals between Chelsea Women and Barca Women where she came in the limelight following her controversial decision.