Polish referee Szymon Marciniak unwittingly took part in an event organised by right-wing extremists. As UEFA announced, he will officiate the Champions League final.
Istanbul – The Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan promises to be an exciting match. In addition to the world-class players and coaches, UEFA is also providing Szymon Marciniak, the current best referee in the world, for the final. But the Pole caused a scandal that initially called his participation in Istanbul into question. As the Guardian first reported, the 42-year-old took part in an event of the Polish far-right.
| Szymon Marciniak | |
|---|---|
| Born: | 7 January 1981 (age 42 years), Płock, Poland |
| Greatest success: | Referee in the 2022 World Cup final |
Complaint to UEFA over Marciniak
The event, at which Szymon Marciniak performed, was organized by Slawomir Mentzen, who propagates the inhuman slogan "We are against Jews, gays, abortion, taxes and the European Union". According to the anti-racism organization "Nigdy wiecej" ("Never again"), right-wing populists are said to have come together at the "Everst" event to prepare and swear in for the election campaign in Poland. The Konfederacja party could be decisive for the election.
Rafal Pankowski, a spokesman for the association "Never Again", commented on the incident: "We are shocked and appalled that Marciniak is publicly associating himself with someone like Mentzen and his dangerous, far-right politics." The association reported Marciniak's appearance to UEFA and filed a complaint.
+Szymon Marciniak is supposed to referee the Champions League final on June 10 in Istanbul.
© imago/Romano
UEFA investigated the allegations and lets Marciniak whistle the Champions League final
UEFA has now released a statement from Szymon Marciniak asking for forgiveness. "I was misled and I was unaware of the true nature of the event. I didn't know that the event was related to the Polish far right. Had I been aware of this, I would have categorically declined the invitation. It's important to understand that this movement goes completely against my own values and principles." In addition, the Pole is ready to "accept all the consequences."
As a result of the statement and the information available, UEFA decided that Marciniak will officiate the Champions League final. This decision is also made in consultation with the "Never Again" organization. (jsk)
Category list image: © imago/Romano
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