Referee snaps back at Barcelona with four-word message over 'UEFA complaint'
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak has been heavily criticised by Barcelona in the aftermath of their 4-3 Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak has hit back at accusations he robbed Barcelona of a place in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. The World Cup final official has been lambasted in the Catalan press today following his controversial display with newspaper Mundo Deportivo even claiming Marciniak "has a friendly history with Real Madrid."
Barca are adamant Inter's late equaliser, scored by Francesco Acerbi, to force extra-time should not have stood after full-back Gerard Martin went to ground following a challenge from Denzel Dumfries.
The Spanish giants also claim VAR should not have awarded a penalty for Pau Cubarsi's tackle on Lautaro Martinez after Hakan Calhanoglu fired home from the spot.
Barca are also said to be preparing an official complaint to UEFA but Marciniak isn't fazed in the slightest, firing back: "I'm ready for anything."
Marciniak also added on Inter's third goal: "Inter's third goal was definitely valid."
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said after the devastating defeat at San Siro: "I don't want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision was in Inter's favour. I'm disappointed. I don't like talking about the referee. I told him what I thought, but I won't repeat what I said here."
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was covering the game as an analyst for beIN SPORTS and he was disappointed by the decision to award Martinez a spot-kick.
He feels VAR is ruining the game, stating: "It was clear that Lautaro Martinez was looking for a penalty, and in my opinion, the referee made a mistake in the decision. He should see who touches the ball first, who reaches it first. It's Cubarsi.
"For me, it's clear that it's not a penalty, and you can't blow a whistle for a play like that, especially since it looked like a clean tackle. My position is clear: I'm against these decisions that distort football."
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has since claimed UEFA should "look into" Marciniak's performance.
He said: "It's not the first time this happens to us with this referee, UEFA should look into it," Pedri told reporters after the game. Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don't understand and which are hard to explain."
Pedri also criticised Marciniak for failing to book Henrikh Mkhitaryan for his strong tackle on Lamine Yamal. He added: "In the penalty on Lamine, which was after given as a free kick, there's no booking for Mkhitaryan, which would have been his second booking."
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