Liverpool vs Galatasaray referee issued apology after attending far-right event
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCThe Polish referee will take the whistle as Liverpool aim to overcome a 1-0 deficit to Galatasaray in the Champions LeagueA top-ranked referee who was forced to apologise for being associated with a far-right event will take charge of Liverpool vs Galatasaray on Wednesday night. However, the Polish referee has been involved in bigger issues before, after he was compelled to say sorry for attending a business event tied to a far-right politician.Marciniak issued a statement in 2023 after UEFA confirmed his appointment for the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.READ MORE: Champions League co-efficient rankings latest as Liverpool lifeline becomes clearREAD MORE: Liverpool could make six changes for Champions League clash vs GalatasarayWarsaw-based anti-racism group Never Again alerted the governing body to the 45-year-old's attendance at and participation in an event linked to Slawomir Mentzen, a leader of the far-right Confederation party.Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final, stated he was "gravely misled and completely unaware" of Mentzen's ties to the conference.
All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageWatch Liverpool vs Galatasaray on TNT SportsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation."I am committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that such lapses in judgment do not occur in the future."UEFA noted Never Again's acceptance of Marciniak's apology at the time and confirmed that he would referee the European final.
Marciniak will fulfil his role as the referee for the 2023 UEFA Champions League final."Polish sports minister Kamil Bortniczuk supported Marciniak during this ordeal, stating the referee gave a 45-minute speech that had a "strictly business, motivational and inspirational character" which had nothing to do with Mentzen.Adding to his defence on social media, Marciniak told his Instagram followers that he had "never supported nor legitimised any political party, organisation or individual politician."Since this controversial incident, Marciniak has officiated at the FIFA Club World Cup and was the fourth official for Spain's 2-1 win over England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final. Three years on, the Polish ref will take the main job for Liverpool vs Galatasaray with the Reds' European progress on the line.Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCBarclay's Premier LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueLiverpool FC Champions League