Alessandro Giallatini has officiated in a host of domestic and international games
The 49-year-old was reduced to tears after the final whistle of his last match
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By TUM BALOGUN
Published: 18:43 EST, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 18:43 EST, 10 December 2024
An assistant referee was consoled by RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose as well as a number of his fellow officials after Aston Villa's 3-2 win over the German side on Tuesday night.
Alessandro Giallatini was moved to tears as the final whistle at the Red Bull Arena marked his final game as an official.
The 49-year-old has been a regular on European and international circuits for a number of years. The Italian is a Serie A official and helped oversee almost 170 matches during his time on the sidelines.
Giallatini could be seen crying at the conclusion of the match as both sets of players and staff shook hands. He was brought into a warm embrace by Rose and could also be seen in discussion with the German boss as well as Aston Villa defender Pau Torres.
Several of the official's colleagues also showed their appreciation in the final match of his career.
In addition to his domestic resume, Giallatini has officiated in 31 Champions League matches and 11 in the Europa League. He was also an assistant referee in three matches at the 2022 World Cup and four at Euro 2024.
Alessandro Giallatini was reduced to tears after the final whistle of RB Leipzig's Champions League clash against Aston Villa
The 49-year-old was consoled by Leipzig manager Marco Rose, as well as several players
The official has been an assistant referee in a host of top European and international matches
On the pitch Unai Emery's side claimed their fourth win in six matches to climb up to third in the Champions League table. Villa secured their victory thanks to goals from John McGinn, Jhon Duran and Ross Barkley's 85th-minute winner.
Leipzig had equalised twice through goals from Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. Defeat sees the Bundesliga outfit become the first side to be eliminated from the competition.
Rose's side have been unable to take their strong showings in the German top-flight into Europe this term and they have suffered defeat in each of their six matches.
Villa travel to Monaco in the new year before welcoming Celtic to Villa Park, where they will look to book their place in the last-16 of the competition.