Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated Barcelona and Inter Milan’s seven-goal thriller on Tuesday night, has offered a four-word response after he was accused of robbing the Spanish side a place against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2024/25 Champions League final.
Following what the Catalan press have called a ‘controversial’ display in the middle, a video of Marciniak – who refereed the World Cup between France and Argentina – in the vicinity of a Real Madrid-branded wash bag emerged, and Barcelona fans were enraged.
Barca fans are under the assumption that Francesco Acerbi’s goal, his first in the Champions League, should not have counted as youngster Gerard Martin was fouled by Denzel Dumfries in the build-up to the equaliser, which took the tie into extra-time.
Not only that, but they feel aggrieved by the fact that Marciniak, with the help of those who were stationed in the VAR room, pointed to the spot after Pau Cubarsi’s challenge on Lautaro Martinez was initially viewed as a well-timed tackle. And the 44-year-old has now responded.
Marciniak Responds to Criticism from Barcelona Fans
'What can I say about these stupid comments? I didn’t wrong anyone'
Inter Milan, who will play perennial Ligue 1 champions PSG in the final after Luis Enrique’s side beat Arsenal over two legs, had Davide Frattesi to thank for sending the San Siro-based outfit into the final – but Hansi Flick’s men were less than impressed with the manner of the second leg and how it was officiated by Marciniak.
As mentioned, as reported by The Telegraph, Barcelona players and Catalan media have been quick to call for investigations to be carried out after labelling Marciniak as a “Madridista” because of the footage above – and he’s hit back at the claims in damning fashion.
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In response to Barcelona’s outrage towards the seasoned referee's performance under the bright lights of San Siro, Marciniak spoke to Middle Eastern news outlet Al Qahera to say: “What can I say about these stupid comments? I didn’t wrong anyone.”
On the news that Barcelona – who are five-time winners of Europe’s top table – are preparing to send an official complaint to the competition’s organisers, UEFA, over the Pole’s refereeing performance, he provided a four-word response. Per The Mirror, he said:
“I’m ready for anything.”
On the Nerazzurri’s third and penultimate strike on home soil, which sent the blockbuster Champions League semi-final tie into extra-time, Marciniak stood by his on-pitch decision that Dumfries hadn’t fouled Martin, he said: “Inter’s third goal was definitely valid.”
Barcelona tactician Flick – widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football – has come under fire for his post-match remarks. He said: “I don't want to speak a lot about the referee, but I think every 50/50 decision was for them [Inter Milan]. We give everything and, in the end, it's like that. This is what makes me a little bit sad."
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