Barcelona midfielder Pedri made headlines after criticizing referee Szymon Marciniak’s decisions during their Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan. His statement on the referee called for UEFA to take a closer look at the officiating.
Controversial Match Decisions Anger Pedri
In the dramatic second leg that ended 4-3 in Inter’s favor (7-6 on aggregate),Pedrito felt Barcelona were treated unfairly. He pointed to several questionable decisions, including a penalty awarded to Inter after a tackle by Pau Cubarsi on Lautaro Martinez. Another major talking point was a second-half incident where Lamine Yamal was brought down, but Barcelona’s penalty claim was denied after VAR review.
What Pedri Said After the Match
Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope, Pedrito said: “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. There were many situations: every 50/50 went their way, and on the penalty on Lamine, which was later called a foul—he didn’t give Mkhitaryan a yellow card, which would’ve been his second.”
UEFA’s Next Move?
Midfeilder’s statement on the referee has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Whether UEFA will investigate Marciniak’s officiating remains to be seen, but Pedrito’s strong words have certainly put pressure on the governing body to respond.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
After their UCL elimination, Barcelona must now focus on domestic competitions. Despite the loss, leadership and courage to speak out show his growing role in the team. Fans await UEFA’s response while the club turns its attention to the La Liga season.
