The referee at the centre of Barcelona’s row with UEFA has hit back at Hansi Flick and his players following their Champions League exit.
La Blaugrana headed to Inter Milan looking to keep the trophy treble dream alive at the San Siro following a 3-3 first leg draw in Catalonia.
Despite charging into an early 2-0 lead, Inter never looked in control of the game, and Flick’s charges responded superbly after the break.
Goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo tied the game at 2-2 on the night and 5-5 on aggregate before Raphinha slammed home in the closing minutes.
However, that was far from the end on a marathon night in Milan, as veteran defender Francesco Acerbi poked home in added time to send the home fans wild.
Davide Frattesi’s extra time goal eventually sealed a place in the final for Simone Inzaghi’s team at the expense of a frustrated Barcelona.
Flick was unhappy with referee Szymon Marciniak at full time and midfield star Pedri went a step further by claiming UEFA should launch an investigation.
Pedri’s annoyance focused on a penalty call not given in Lamine Yamal’s favour and an alleged foul on Gerard Martin in the build up to Acerbi’s dramatic goal.
As the dust has settled on the game, Marciniak has offered a brief response to the criticism, with the Polish official dismissing all claims against him.
“Their comments are ridiculous. What can I say about these stupid comments? I didn’t hurt anyone,” as per quotes from Egyptian outlet Al Qahera, via Mundo Deportivo.
“I’m ready for anything [if complaints are taken further]. Inter‘s third goal was definitely valid.”
UEFA have not offered an update on the situation and Marciniak is amongst the names in the frame to officiate the final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain after taking charge of the former’s 2023 final loss to Manchester City.
Hritangshu93
68
I have absolutely no complaints about the referee.....he did his part very well....just one doubt.....I don't know if there was a foul on Gerard Martin in the build up of the third goal..... other than that.....the referee got every decision bang on......well done.......we are at fault here to concede on the last minute of full time.......we will try again next year.....visca Barca
nuhdemop
33
This referee and VAR were committed to make sure Barcelona is out. Order from Corrupt UEFA. 💩🍆
ttitsareeffinggood
31
Remember 2009! Remember Chelsea vs Barcelona!!! Remember referee Ovrebo!!! When you are broke like Barcelona, even right would be wrong.
FearlessCULE
13
As a proud Culé, I’ll always believe that Barça should win through sheer footballing brilliance with goals, not excuses. But let’s be real, that Martin controversial foul moment deserves to be talked about. Just because the final whistle blew doesn’t mean we should stay silent about what unfolded on that pitch. What’s truly baffling is the complete lack of transparency. In an era with dozens of HD camera angles and VAR at their fingertips, how is it possible that we never got a clear replay of the incident? If it truly wasn’t a foul, then why hide the best angle from the fans? Why not show it repeatedly, as they do with other calls? The silence only raises more questions. What exactly are they trying to cover up? 🤔💭 We’re not asking for favors, just fairness and clarity. That’s the least the game and its fans deserve.
yenelmnopr
10
accept defeat and move on, sometimes it's goes to your favour but sometimes not, every team gets bad officiating, so when you lost it's hurt. don't complain too much. everyone see your efforts you try very hard and lost just because you are not so lucky.