Barcelona’s painful Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan continues to spark controversy, with UEFA now responding to the club’s scathing criticism of Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. The Blaugrana were left stunned after a 4-3 second-leg defeat at the San Siro saw them crash out 7-6 on aggregate, in a match marred by contentious officiating decisions that have ignited fury among fans, players, and staff alike.

In the immediate aftermath, both coach Hansi Flick and midfield maestro Pedri made their frustrations known. Flick stopped short of detailing his grievances but firmly called for UEFA to review Marciniak’s performance, highlighting that the integrity of the competition is at stake. Pedri, on the other hand, pointed to a clear foul on Gerard Martin in the buildup to Inter’s crucial stoppage-time equaliser—one that many believe should have been disallowed.

Despite the uproar, UEFA has chosen to back Marciniak unequivocally. A UEFA official told Marca, “There is no problem,” in response to Barcelona’s protests—an answer that feels dismissive to many within the club and fanbase. The governing body’s support stems from Marciniak’s elite refereeing credentials, including overseeing the 2022 World Cup final and last year’s Champions League final. With 674 professional matches under his belt, UEFA clearly sees him as one of their most trusted officials.

However, this blind faith in authority has left a sour taste. While no referee is above reproach, UEFA’s refusal to even acknowledge the possibility of error sends a troubling message: that mistakes, even in season-defining moments, will go unchecked.

Marciniak remains the favourite to officiate the upcoming Inter vs PSG final, largely due to Frenchman Clément Turpin being ineligible. But for many Barcelona supporters, UEFA’s stance is yet another reminder of a lack of accountability in European football’s biggest stage.

The broader question now is not just about one controversial referee, but about the standards of officiating and how clubs can find justice when they believe the system has failed them. Barcelona may be out of the competition, but the debate around officiating fairness is far from over.

Is it time UEFA introduced more transparency and accountability in refereeing decisions? For Barcelona, the wounds are still fresh, and the silence from European football’s governing body feels like salt being rubbed in.