Eric Braamhaar

Who is Eric Braamhaar?

Frederikus Johannes Braamhaar is a Dutch football referee. He lives in Enter in the province of Overijssel.

In the 2007 UEFA Champions League knockout stage, he awarded a controversial goal to Manchester United against Lille OSC. Four weeks later, while refereeing an Eredivisie, he was seen celebrating when Ajax scored their fifth goal in a 5–1 victory over PSV Eindhoven. Some people, including PSV manager Ronald Koeman, thought he was celebrating the goal, but Braamhaar later explained that he celebrated because of his decision to play advantage after an Ajax player was fouled in the build-up.

On April 26, 2007 he left the pitch during the UEFA Cup semi final between Osasuna and Sevilla due to a torn calf muscle. He was replaced by fourth official Pieter Vink.

Braamhaar is known to have served as a FIFA referee during the period from 2003 to 2011. He officiated at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship and 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, as well as qualifying matches for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.