The referee for the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 match between South Korea and Croatia wiped away a tear before the match.

Polish referee Agnieszka Michalik officiated the VNL match between South Korea and Croatia at the Nielsen Nelson Arena in Brasilia, Brazil on Sunday at 5:30 a.m. ET. She was seen wiping her tears with a handkerchief before blowing the starting whistle. His fellow referees could not hide their emotions.

Before the game, news broke of the sudden death of Argentine referee Hernan Gonzalo Casamiquela. A moment of silence was held in his honor before the start of the Korea-Croatia match.

Brazilian media outlets ‘Globo’ and ‘UOL’ reported that “Argentine referee Hernan Gonzalo Casamiquela, who was well respected in the volleyball world, died in Brasilia, Brazil, where the VNL is being held. The cause of death is unknown, but he was hospitalized with intestinal problems and diagnosed with a bacterial infection in his bloodstream.”메이저사이트

Casamicella, 58, began his international refereeing career in 2007. He officiated at some of the most prestigious events, including World Championships and the Olympics. After officiating the women’s volleyball final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, he moved into challenge officiating. She also traveled to Brasilia, Brazil, to officiate the VNL Women’s Volleyball Week 2 Video Challenge.

FIVB said: “We have learned of the tragic death of Hernan Gonzalo Casamiquela, an outstanding referee from Argentina. We express our deepest condolences. His ability to officiate was an inspiration to all who worked with him. We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones and family,” said the official statement.