Barcelona midfielder Pedri has called on UEFA to investigate the performance of referee Szymon Marciniak following the club’s dramatic Champions League semi-final elimination at the hands of Inter Milan.
The Blaugrana lost 4-3 after extra time at San Siro, crashing out 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling contest marred by contentious officiating.
Pedri, frustrated by several key moments, accused Marciniak of favouring Inter in 50/50 decisions and highlighted specific incidents where Barcelona felt short-changed.
“This isn’t the first time this has happened to us with this referee,” Pedri told El Partidazo de Cope. “UEFA should look into it. Every 50/50 went their way.
“The penalty on Lamine was called back, Mkhitaryan should’ve seen a second yellow… there were things that are hard to explain.”
Inter were awarded a first-half penalty after VAR judged Pau Cubarsi’s challenge on Lautaro Martinez to be a foul, while a strong Barcelona appeal in the second half was overturned following minimal contact on Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s frustration, stating: “Some of the referee’s decisions didn’t go our way.
“It felt unfair at times, but that’s football. I’m proud of my team—we gave everything. We’ll be back next season to fight again for the Champions League.”
With European hopes dashed, Barça will now turn focus to La Liga, where they remain in contentionp for the title.
