Will Wolfgang Stark Come Back to Haunt Internazionale?

UEFA appointed Wolfgang Stark as the match referee for the all important clash between Internazionale and Manchester United at the Old Trafford.

The German referee certainly doesn't bring pleasant memories for Inter, who have never won while Stark has been officiating the match.

In the past when Stark has been referee, Inter has drawn Ajax 2-2 in the 2005-06 season and crashed out of the competition in the next season, when they drew Valencia at the Mestalla, in an ugly game which erupted into a brawl in the later stages.

In the 2003-04 season, it was again Stark who was officiating, when Inter were beaten 1-5 at the San Siro by a rampaging Arsenal side. To date, this loss remains their heaviest home defeat in Europe.

Stark has always been a controversial referee with a passion for giving out cards. He was the infamous referee in the 2007 Under-20 World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Chile, where he dished out seven yellow and two red cards against the Chilean team, who later chased him around the park for his erroneous decisions.

The German also gave out three red cards in the match between Celtic and Barcelona a few seasons ago and is not the best appointment considering the occasion and magnitude of the game between Manchester United and Inter.

It remains to be seen, however, as to which side will be playing with 12 players and if the Italians add his name on the toilet walls alongside Byron Moreno's in the near future.

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