UEFA Referee Appointment Sparks Concern in Barcelona Ahead of Inter Clash
As Barcelona gears up for their decisive Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza, an unexpected development off the pitch is drawing headlines.
According to Meczyki, UEFA is likely to appoint Polish referee Szymon Marciniak for the high-stakes encounter — a move that has triggered unease among Barcelona fans and officials alike.
Marciniak, while one of UEFA’s most experienced referees, has drawn criticism for several controversial decisions in matches involving Real Madrid, including disallowing a Julian Alvarez goal in a recent penalty shootout and ruling out a Matthijs de Ligt goal against Madrid in 2023.
Barça’s record under Marciniak’s officiating is far from favorable: one win, two draws, and two heavy defeats — notably the infamous 4-0 loss to PSG and 3-0 defeat to Juventus in 2017. The Polish official also oversaw the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in 2022 that led to Barcelona’s early Champions League exit.
With no official confirmation yet from UEFA, all eyes are on Sunday’s announcement. Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick continues to focus on team preparations, hoping to have key players like Balde and Lewandowski fit in time to push the Catalans into the final — regardless of who’s holding the whistle.
