Finland v Ireland referee evokes memories of joy and heartache for fans of Dundalk and Bohemians

Aleksandar Stavrev took charge of huge European nights for the two League of Ireland sides.

For fans of Dundalk and Bohemians, the name Aleksandar Stavrev probably doesn’t mean a whole lot.

But he was the man in the middle for two massive European games involving the League of Ireland sides - with one ending in joy and the other in heartache.

The experienced North Macedonian whistler was appointed to Dundalk’s pivotal Europa League clash away to Moldovan side Sheriff in September 2020.

READ MORE: Nathan Collins tells how his proud family reacted to his new role with Ireland

READ MORE: Former Ireland striker Clinton Morrison tells of breakfast habit that used to wind up Roy Keane

It was in the middle of the Covid pandemic and the Lilywhites were massive underdogs in a tie that was played over just one leg. Sean Murray’s equaliser just before half-time took the game to penalties and the Lilywhites progressed to a Europa League play-off against Faroes side KI. They won that game 3-1 to qualify for the group stages for the second time in four years.

Sign up for our League of Ireland news service on Whats App

Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

It wasn’t such a happy occasion for Bohs when Stavrev took charge of their 2009 Champions League second-leg clash with Salzburg.

Having drawn 1-1 in Austria, Bohs were four minutes away from a sensational away goals win, only for substitute Patrik Jezek to capitalise on a Mark Rossiter error and head home the only goal of the game.

Stavrev (47) has plenty of experience on the international front, with his most recent appointments coming for Georgia’s 3-1 win away to Montenegro in June and Scotland’s 2-2 draw in Georgia last November.

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.