For the return match of the Champions League semi-final between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, UEFA announced that the meeting referee would be the Polish Szymon Marciniak.
This choice immediately sparked a strong reaction from the Spanish press.
And for good reason, the referee found himself at the center of the criticism after canceling a penalty from Julian Alvarez during the return match between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid.
In addition, the daily Mundo Deportivo reports that Szymon Marciniak would have favored Real Madrid last season in the Champions League by prematurely canceling a goal from Matthijs de Ligt in the semi-final return match against Bayern Munich.
In addition, the sports press stresses that the duo in charge of the Var, made up of Dennis Hingler and Pol Van Boekel, had already been singled out during the 2021/2022 season, during the Champions League match between Inter and Barça, for not having pointed out a hand of Denzel Dumfries.
Thus, the Blaugrana supporters express serious reservations about the refereeing of the next duel.
It is important to remember that Szymon Marciniak had officiated during the final of the 2022 World Cup.
On the other hand, the Anti-Barcelonais suggest that his Polish nationality could play in favor of the Catalan club due to the presence of their striker Robert Lewandowski, also Polish, who should probably play the return match against Inter.
Here are some reactions collected:
“Make him not come in favor of Barça because of his brother Lewandowski, Oh! »;
“I am also Polish and Marciniak is a fan of Real Madrid. He was seen with a backpack bearing the Madrid logo. »;
“The same man who gave himself up with his assistant to eliminate Bayern Munich last season, allowing Madrid to continue his adventure !! ».
Related news :