Following Barcelona’s Champions League elimination by Inter Milan on Tuesday, Pedri has demanded that UEFA look into the performance of referee Szymon Marciniak. After their elimination, the Catalan giants blamed the Polish match official for overseeing one of the most exciting matches in the competition’s lengthy history.
Raphinha gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead in the 87th minute, putting the visitors ahead 6-5 overall at the San Siro and just minutes away from guaranteeing their spot in the Champions League final. However, Francesco Acerbi’s spectacular equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time forced Inter to play extra time.
Many supporters still believe that Gerard Martin was fouled during the build-up to Inter’s equaliser, which 37-year-old Acerbi skilfully scored from close range. Later slow-motion footage imply that Barcelona fans might have every reason to be upset.
Davide Frattesi, who maintained his cool in extra time and sent the home crowd into raptures with a fantastic finish past experienced custodian Wojciech Szczesny, ultimately decided the tense two-leg match. Barcelona’s players did everything they could to force a penalty shootout, but Inter held their ground and won 7–6 overall, a triumph that will be remembered for years to come.
Pedri Wants UEFA to Look at Marciniak’s Performance
Midfielder points out questionable decisions
However, Pedri gave reporters an explanation of why he wants UEFA to extensively examine Marciniak’s refereeing performance after the game. “We’ve experienced this referee issue before, and I believe UEFA ought to investigate. According to The Mirror, the elite midfield player told El Partidazo de Cope, “There are some things that are difficult to explain.”
There were numerous circumstances. Every 50/50 went their way, and he spared [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan from receiving his second yellow card for the penalty on Lamine [Yamal], which was eventually referred to as a free-kick.
Per World Soccer Talk, Pedri appeared to be referring Marciniak’s officiating in a previous Champions League game between the two sides, which also finished in a 3-3 tie, during the 2022-23 group stage. Barca’s elimination and subsequent slide to the Europa League were ultimately influenced by that outcome.
In order to prepare for Sunday’s crucial La Liga matchup against bitter rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona will now need to get over this devastating setback. Hansi Flick’s team would virtually win the league title if they won, but if they lost, the season would come to a spectacular finale with just three games left after this weekend.
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