Szymon Marciniak, a Polish referee who officiated Tuesday night’s seven-goal thriller between Barcelona and Inter Milan, responded with four words after being accused of denying the Spanish team a spot in the 2024–25 Champions League final versus Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona supporters were incensed when a video of Marciniak, who officiated the World Cup match between France and Argentina, appeared near a wash bag bearing the Real Madrid logo after what the Catalan media has described as a “controversial” performance in the middle.
The belief among Barcelona supporters is that Francesco Acerbi’s goal—his first in the Champions League—should not have been considered a youth goal. In the lead-up to the equaliser, which sent the match into extra time, Denzel Dumfries fouled Gerard Martin.
Furthermore, they are upset because Marciniak, assisted by the people in the VAR room, pointed to the location after Pau Cubarsi’s challenge on Lautaro Martinez was initially thought to be a well-timed tackle. And now, the 44-year-old has answered.
Marciniak Responds to Criticism from Barcelona Fans
‘What can I say about these stupid comments? I didn’t wrong anyone’
The San Siro-based team advanced to the final thanks to Davide Frattesi, but Hansi Flick’s team was not impressed with the way the second leg was handled and how Marciniak officiated it. Inter Milan will face perennial Ligue 1 champions PSG in the final after Luis Enrique’s team defeated Arsenal over two legs.
Barcelona players and Catalan media have been quick to demand investigations after calling Marciniak a “Madridista” due to the aforementioned film, as reported by The Telegraph. He has responded to the accusations in a devastating manner.
Marciniak responded to Barcelona’s indignation over the veteran referee’s performance under the bright lights of San Siro by saying, “What can I say about these stupid comments? I didn’t wrong anyone.” In response to the news that Barcelona, the five-time European champions, are getting ready to file a formal complaint against the competition’s organisers, UEFA, over the Pole’s refereeing performance, he gave a four-word response, according to The Mirror: “I’m ready for anything.”
Marciniak maintained his on-field ruling that Dumfries had not fouled Martin in response to the Nerazzurri’s third and penultimate goal on home turf, which forced the thrilling Champions League semi-final match into extra time. He stated: “Inter’s third goal was definitely valid.”
Flick, a Barcelona tactician and one of the greatest football managers in the world, has drawn criticism for his post-game comments. I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but I believe that every 50/50 call was made in favour of Inter Milan, he stated. We put everything into it, and that’s how it ends up. This is the reason I feel a little depressed.
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