Greek referee Tasos Sidiropoulos reflects on career and disputed VAR calls

Veteran Greek referee Tasos Sidiropoulos gave an extensive interview to the Foxinsider channel on YouTube, speaking about his 17‑year tenure in the Super League and his experience as an international official. He said he wants to retire on his own terms after a career that began in an orphanage, included police work, and involved repaying a motorcycle loan.

Sidiropoulos addressed several high‑profile incidents, including the controversial non‑goal involving Barel in the PAOK‑AEK match, the red‑card decision in the AEK‑Aris game featuring Brentilio and Suleimanov, and the “wall” episode in the Panathinaikos‑Asteras fixture. He criticized the tendency of referees to side with stronger teams in doubtful situations, lamented being singled out by former referees, and called for equal treatment and accountability. While acknowledging his own mistakes, he argued that football officiating has improved and that the sport is moving toward a cleaner, more transparent standard.