Who is Danny Makkelie, the referee for Bayern - Arsenal in the Champions League?

After drawing 2-2 in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, it’s win or bust for both Bayern and Arsenal at the Emirates as they look to make it to the final four of the UEFA Champions League (KO 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 noon PT.).

Although the main focus will be on the 22 players who take the field, the referee will also be a crucial figure in the match, and Danny Makkelie has the honour of taking on such a job. The Dutch official is a seasoned referee who has experience at the highest level.

Who is Danny Makkelie?

Makkelie took charge of the famous Game between Poland and Argentina at the Qatar World Cup, where he gave a penalty to the ‘La Albiceleste’ that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny ended up saving.

The 41-year-old referee has overseen a total of 46 UEFA Champions League matches, including knockout Games, such as the return leg of Real Madrid 3-1 PSG in March 2022, in addition of the second leg of this season’s Round of 16 in which Barcelona beat Napoli 3-1.

Bayern are undefeated with Makkelie

Makkelie stays far from controversy and has had no negative standout moments in the Games he has coached. However, Bayern are smiling with his appointment as the Germans have not yet lost when they have Makkelie on the pitch.

This will be the fifth Game in which the Dutchman referees the Bavarians, who have a record of four wins, no draws and no defeats. The last occasion was on September 13, 2022, when Bayern beat Barcelona 2-0.

On the other hand, this will be only the second time that Makkelie officiates a match in which the ‘Gunners’ are involved. The first time they met each other was on September 28, 2016, when Arsenal beat Basel 2-0 in the UCL Group Stage.

The Champions League quarter-final second leg between Bayern Munich and Arsenal will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Kick-off in Bavaria is scheduled for at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 noon PT.