Germany v Scotland referee Clement Turpin showed up late for kick-off as Man Utd star furious

After a slightly shorter wait than usual, the European Championships are back for 2024, with Scotland and hosts Germany getting the tournament underway on Friday night.

Germany are, unsurprisingly, one of the favourites to lift the trophy next month, playing in front of a home crowd and with several superstar names among their ranks. However, they have underwhelmed at recent tournaments, being knocked out by England at the last Euros and being eliminated at the group stage at the last two World Cups.

That said, Steve Clarke's side will have to be at their very best if they are to pull off a huge shock on the opening day of the tournament, even with the full force of the Tartan Army behind them.

The man in the middle for the curtain-raiser in Munich is French referee Clement Turpin. Here's everything you need to know about tonight's referee.

Who is Clement Turpin?

Born in Oullins, France in May 1982, Turpin began refereeing in the French National League, before making his way up to Ligue 2 and then Ligue 1 from 2008. He became a FIFA-listed referee in 2010, officiating in UEFA club competitions from the 2010/11 season.

He made his debut at the European Championships in 2016 and also officiated at that year's Olympic Games in Brazil. The same year, he was named the best French referee by the French Football Federation.

Turpin - who also works as a PE teacher - went on to officiate at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, while he also took charge of the 2021 Europa League final between Manchester United and Villarreal, as well as the 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Fans have often said that the French official bears a striking resemblance to Arsenal and Belgium forward Leandro Trossard, with supporters joking that the player's 'elder brother' was in charge of the Gunners' Champions League clash with Porto earlier this year.

Ferdinand left furious

Turpin has won several awards for his refereeing but one pundit who was less than impressed with one of his performances was Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who tore into him after Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final clash with Man City last April.

A chaotic first half saw Turpin show up late for kick-off and brandish a red card to Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano before rescinding it moments later. He also showed five yellow cards during the opening 45 minutes, awarding City a penalty and later sending off the protesting Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel.

Ferdinand was less than impressed with the Frenchman's "theatrics" as he slammed his performance in the BT Sport studio after the game.

"I've not liked the ref today, not my cup of tea. He wants it to be more about him than the game," he said. "'I couldn't believe [the awarding of City's penalty], the whole stadium was like wow why. 'The rules tell us if the hand is in a position that is not normal then the pen is given."

Tuchel was also scathing of Turpin at full-time, remarking: "Two things couldn't keep up with the level: the pitch wasn't in a good condition and also the referee unfortunately was grade E."

Germany v Scotland refereeing lineup

• Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)

• Assistant Referees: Nicolas Danos (FRA) and Benjamin Pages (FRA)

• Video Assistant Referee: Jerome Brisard (FRA)

• Assistant Video Assistant Referees: Willy Delajod (FRA) and Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)

• Fourth official: Francois Letexier (FRA)