On Wednesday, January 28, as part of Matchday 8 of the 2025-2026 Champions League group stage, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) will face Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, broadcast on Canal+). The referee for the match has been chosen: Slavko Vincic (46 years old). He has significant Champions League experience, having officiated 46 matches.
The referee will be assisted by Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. The fourth official will be David Smajc. Video assistant refereeing (VAR) will be handled by Christian Dingert and Sascha Stegemann.
Yellow cards –
With Mr. Vincic in charge, we can expect yellow cards to be shown rather quickly during the match. Indeed, while the French average per match is 3.53 yellow cards (standard deviation of 0.39), Wednesday’s referee has averaged 3.78 yellow cards per match throughout his Champions League career (Transfermarkt figures). This is rather high, but less than some others in this competition. The main hope is for good management, while protecting the players.
Direct Red Cards –
The man in charge on Wednesday was much less severe when it came to direct red cards. In fact, Vincic has averaged 0.04 dismissals per match in his career, while the French average per match is 0.17 (standard deviation of 0.07). This reflects a preference for dialogue rather than harshness. All the better, provided there are no “oversights.”
Second Yellow Cards –
Slavko Vinci doesn’t usually send off a player after their first yellow card in a match, as he has given a second yellow card to the same player an average of 0.04 times per game. This is lower than the French average of 0.09 (standard deviation of 0.03). With relatively few yellow cards and red cards initially, the perception of a rather lenient referee is confirmed.
Penalties –
Regarding penalties, the man who will officiate Wednesday’s match is significantly lower than average, awarding 0.11 penalties per game, while the Ligue 1 average is 0.34 (standard deviation of 0.08).
History –
Vincic has refereed PSG three times: a 3-0 victory against AC Milan in the 2023-2024 group stage, a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal in the 2024-2025 league stage, and a 1-0 victory against Arsenal in the first leg of the 2024-2025 semi-final.
He has never refereed Newcastle in the Champions League.
