Pedri Calls For UEFA to Investigate Referee Szymon Marciniak After Inter 4-3 Barcelona

**Pedri Calls For UEFA to Investigate Referee Szymon Marciniak After Inter 4-3 Barcelona**

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By **Rob Swan**

**3 days ago**

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**Szymon Marciniak during Inter 4-3 Barcelona**

Pedri has urged UEFA to probe the performance of referee Szymon Marciniak following Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Inter Milan on Tuesday. The Spanish side has criticized the Polish referee, who officiated one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches, after their dramatic departure.

Barcelona were on the verge of clinching a spot in the Champions League final after Raphinha scored in the 87th minute to give them a 3-2 lead, putting them ahead 6-5 on aggregate at San Siro. However, Inter equalized in stoppage time thanks to Francesco Acerbi, pushing the game into extra-time.

A number of fans strongly believe Gerard Martin was fouled during the lead-up to Acerbi’s goal, which the 37-year-old converted with precision. Replays in slow motion seem to validate the frustration expressed by Barcelona supporters.

The electrifying two-legged contest was ultimately decided by Davide Frattesi, who stayed calm in extra-time and netted a stunning goal past experienced goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Despite giving their all in pursuit of a penalty shootout, Barcelona couldn’t break through and Inter held on to a 7-6 aggregate win, marking a game that will be remembered for years.

**D. Frattesi**

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**Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona: Player Ratings and Match Highlights**

**Pedri Wants UEFA to Look at Marciniak’s Performance**

**Midfielder points out questionable decisions**

**Szymon Marciniak during Inter 4-3 Barcelona**

After the match, Pedri spoke with the media about why he believes UEFA should scrutinize Marciniak’s officiating. **“This isn’t the first time this has happened to us with this referee, and I think UEFA should look into it. There are things that are hard to explain,”** the midfielder stated to *El Partidazo de Cope*, as reported by *The Mirror*.

**“There were many situations. Every 50/50 went their way, and on the penalty on Lamine [Yamal], which was later called a free-kick, he didn’t give [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan a yellow card, which would’ve been his second.”**

**yamal-1**

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**Why Barcelona Were Denied Penalty vs Inter Despite ‘Continuing Contact Into Box’**

According to *World Soccer Talk*, Pedri seemed to be alluding to Marciniak’s officiating during a previous Champions League match between the teams, which finished 3-3 during the 2022-23 group stage. That draw played a role in Barcelona’s early exit and move to the Europa League.

Now, Barcelona must recover from this tough loss and focus on a major La Liga showdown on Sunday against bitter rivals Real Madrid. A win would virtually secure the league championship for Hansi Flick’s squad, while a loss could lead to a thrilling conclusion to the season with just three games left.

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