Despite a thrilling tie between Inter and Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, with the two sides sharing 13 goals in what some are already describing as the best semi-final ever, the most talked about man in Spain after the game has not been any of the players – nor the managers. For a second time in the space of two months, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak is at the centre of attention.
Marciniak was in charge of the highly controversial ‘double-touch’ penalty from Julian Alvarez, which saw Atletico Madrid exit the Champions League against rivals Real Madrid. Now Barcelona have pointed the finger clearly at Marciniak in the aftermath of the semi-final in Milan.
With the exception of compatriot Wojciech Szczesny, all of the Barcelona players interviewed after the game criticised Marciniak, while Hansi Flick was also surprised by his consistency in the wrong sense. President Joan Laporta has since hit out at his display too.
On Wednesday it was reported that Marciniak had dismissed their complaints in the media. An Egyptian outlet, Al Qahera, claimed that Marciniak had said that “their comments are ridiculous. What can I say about these stupid comments? I didn’t damage anyone. I’m ready for anything [if complaints are taken further]. Inter‘s third goal was definitely valid.”
Now he has disassociated himself with those comments complaining that they were made up. Polish outlet Przeglad Sportowy Onet (via MD) say that referees are not permitted to comment on incidents that occur during the games, and that ‘as Szymon Marciniak himself has informed us, such statements did not occur.’
However this was not the case after the ‘double-touch’ Alvarez incident. In the aftermath of that, Marciniak did appear on Saudi Arabian outlet WinWin defending his decision. UEFA have also backed him up with video evidence, while the Atletico Madrid Supporters’ Club Foundation are taking the issue to court, claiming said evidence was doctored.
Shmonny
26
Witnessed the Roma tragedy, witnessed the Anfield collapse, endured the 8-2 humiliation, played Thursday nights in the Europa League, saw us bottle it at home last season — but this year, we gave it our all. The best version of Barça in the last decade. We fought till the final whistle. Whatever happens, happens. I’m proud of this team. Proud to be a Culé. Visca el Barça.
rodenortz
18
Barca coach should carry all these blames on his head. His failures to use tactical methods to perfectly maintain two minutes caused them these cries. It was very annoying to change the key defender at that moment instead of striker.
yopeilrty
10
This clearly confirms that he was brought to stop Barca from reaching the finals. Very simple. He did it to ATM and got away so he knew he could do it again. How could you detect a double touch of the ball by Alvarez but fails to call for a penalty nor foul on Martin
loceimnptz
9
Very useless Barcelona players, fans and directors. When Madrid were complaining complicit of referees in matches, they said it was rubbish. Why are they complaining? They should swallow their "bitter Sweet pills". To hell with Laporte, their president who insulted the hell out of Madrid. In the Copa de Rey final, Madrid was denied a penalty by VAR after the centre referee had given, Madrid protested which even ked to various bans for Madrid players. They were happy, I think.
Daresadibo
9
If it was the same match that I watched, haha Barca, It was a fair officiating. Cry less and prepare for the next season