Liverpool vs Galatasaray referee was forced to apologise after far-right event speech
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Daily Mirror IconSportFootballLiverpool FCThe Polish referee will officiate Liverpool vs Galatasaray at Anfield on Wednesday nightA top-tier referee who previously had to apologise for his association with a far-right event will officiate Liverpool vs Galatasaray on Wednesday night. However, the Polish referee has dealt with larger controversies in the past, having been compelled to apologise for attending a business gathering linked to a far-right politician.In 2023, following his appointment by UEFA for the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan, Marciniak issued a statement.The Warsaw-based anti-racism organisation Never Again had alerted the governing body to the 45-year-old's presence and participation in an event associated with Slawomir Mentzen, a leader of the far-right Confederation party.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE!
Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: Diogo Jota's widow in touching Liverpool tribute ahead of difficult new milestoneREAD MORE: Champions League co-efficient rankings latest as Man Utd and Liverpool sweat on extra spotMarciniak, who memorably officiated the 2022 World Cup final, claimed he was "gravely misled and completely unaware" of Mentzen's connections to the conference. 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."Watch Liverpool vs Galatasaray on TNT SportsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Fans can watch the game on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.Polish sports minister Kamil Bortniczuk backed Marciniak throughout this difficult period, stating that the referee delivered a 45-minute speech with a "strictly business, motivational and inspirational character" that had nothing to do with Mentzen.Strengthening 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 contentious incident, Marciniak has officiated at the FIFA Club World Cup and served as fourth official for Spain's 2-1 victory over England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final.