Disappointment was palpable in the FC Barcelona camp after their Champions League semi-final elimination against Inter Milan. The second leg, spectacular but cruel, ended 3-4 after extra time (6-7 on aggregate). Among the voices raised after this epic encounter, Pedri’s stood out in particular. The young Spanish midfielder didn’t mince words when criticizing the referee, Polish official Szymon Marciniak, accusing UEFA of failing to act on what he considers recurring and problematic decisions.
At just 21 years old, Pedri embodies the present and future of FC Barcelona. His composure and clear thinking have already made him a leader in the Catalan dressing room. But this time, frustration got the better of him. “UEFA needs to deal with this problem, it’s not the first time,” he reportedly said in the mixed zone, visibly irritated by some refereeing decisions that influenced the course of the match.
The clash between Barcelona and Inter Milan will go down in history for its intensity and dramatic turn of events. From the opening minutes, the two teams engaged in a tactical and physical battle of rare intensity. Barcelona, spurred on by a raucous Camp Nou crowd, attempted to overturn the first-leg defeat. The Catalans dominated the game, creating numerous chances and repeatedly finding weaknesses in the Italian defense. But every time Barça seemed to regain the lead, Inter found a way to respond. The match turned on several controversial refereeing decisions, notably a penalty denied to Robert Lewandowski for a foul in the box, and a goal disallowed for an extremely close offside. These incidents ignited the stands and fueled a sense of injustice among the Catalan fans.
Szymon Marciniak, an experienced referee already criticized in the past for his controversial decisions in Champions League matches, was once again at the center of the controversy. Pedri didn’t hide his displeasure after the match: “I’m proud of the team, but a little disappointed because we managed to get back into the game despite everything. However, some decisions didn’t help us.”
This mix of pride and frustration perfectly illustrates the mood in the Barcelona dressing room: the satisfaction of having given their all, but also the bitterness of an elimination marked by questionable refereeing choices. Despite the defeat, the young Spanish international was keen to praise his team’s performance. As he has throughout the season, Pedri displayed great maturity, playing a key role in Barcelona’s build-up play. His work rate, creativity, and vision allowed Barça to compete with a formidable opponent.
“I’m proud of the team; we showed character and pride,” he emphasized after the final whistle. Indeed, Barcelona put in a courageous performance, managing to overcome a two-goal deficit before succumbing in extra time. This defeat, while cruel, confirms that the Catalan club is back at the highest level of European football after several difficult seasons.
Beyond the result, Pedri’s comments raise a broader question: that of transparency and consistency in refereeing at major European competitions. A growing number of players, coaches, and observers believe that some crucial decisions lack clarity or fairness. For the young midfielder, it’s time for UEFA to take concrete steps to improve referee training and accountability: “We always respect referees, but when certain mistakes are repeated, action must be taken. This isn’t just about Barcelona, but about football in general.”
These measured yet firm words reflect a growing unease within the football community. Pedri, despite his young age, dares to address a sensitive issue: the impact of refereeing decisions on sporting justice. UEFA, for its part, has not yet officially responded to the criticism. But the controversy is growing in the media, and Szymon Marciniak’s performance in this semi-final is now being scrutinized by experts.
