All political forces in Poland speak with one voice about Judge Marciniak. He is the best referee in the world, respects every human being and ensures this respect on the field and in life. It cannot be judged on the basis of one unjust opinion, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed.
Report to UEFA on referee Marciniak
UEFA has announced that it will release a statement on Szymon Marciniak, who will referee the UEFA Champions League final on June 10. According to the “Never Again” association, the Polish arbitrator took part in the Everest Conference in Katowice on Monday, organized by one of the leaders of the Confederation – Sławomir Mentzen.
We are shocked and appalled by Marciniak’s public association with Mentzen and his brand of toxic far-right politics. This is not in line with the core values of fair play, such as equality and respect. We call on the judge to admit his mistake. If he doesn’t, we think UEFA and FIFA should take action
– said one of the co-founders of the association, Rafał Pankowski.
One political voice
The case was commented on by the head of government on Twitter, emphasizing that “all political forces in Poland speak with one voice about Judge Marciniak.”
He is the best referee in the world, respects every human being and ensures this respect on the field and in life. It cannot be judged by one and dishonest opinion. #MarciniakTheBest
writes the prime minister on Twitter.
Opposition: Absurd accusations from UEFA
Opposition leaders also commented on the issue on Twitter. According to Robert Biedroń, “Mentzen used Marciniak for his parlor games.”
I know Marciniak for his strong reactions to xenophobia and racism in stadiums. And I’m sure he hates Mentzen’s brown 5 and Konfederussi. I’m rooting for him to lead the final
– wrote the co-chair of the Left.
The leader of the PSL stressed that “the allegations against Szymon Marciniak are absurd, calling for our great referee to be deprived of the chance to perform the Champions League final as a bleak joke.”
Good luck in Istanbul, Mr. Szymon!
– Added Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Szymon Hołownia, in turn, stated that “Mentzen is a far-right politician, and these reactions are sobering, that the anger and fear that the extremists have established in the Polish public debate are not acceptable.”
But Szymon Marciniak is the best referee in the world, his attitude on the pitch has repeatedly proven to be alien to the values Mentzen identifies with. Taking the Champions League final away from a Pole is absurd
– said the leader of Poland 2050.
PZPN position
The Polish Football Association also spoke on the matter.
Szymon Marciniak gave PZPN a detailed explanation of the situation. They show that he does not know Sławomir Mentzen and has never spoken to him. After speaking with the arbitrator and reviewing the evidence gathered, PZPN rejects all allegations against Szymon Marciniak
– informed the Polish Football Association.
According to PZPN’s findings, Marciniak participated in the “Everest” business meeting as an invited speaker. During the conference, he gave a 40-minute presentation on motivation. The meeting took place on May 29 in Katowice. The conference was attended by 12 speakers. Immediately after his performance, Szymon Marciniak went to Warsaw, where he took part in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa Gala that ended the football season.
Marciniak’s statement
On Thursday evening, Marciniak sent his statement to “Never Again”.
As an international football referee, I have always put fair play and respect for other people first and want to pass on these highest values to others. I always distance myself from expressions of racism and anti-Semitism and bigotry, which I show at the matches where I referee. I always say stop hating and I will convey that the most important thing is to be a good person
Marciniak wrote.
The Ministry of Sports announced on Twitter that it had forwarded the official position of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism on referee Szymon Marciniak to UEFA.
Sports and Tourism Minister Kamil Bortniczuk said he was in contact with Judge Marciniak and the whole case was a “major manipulation”.
Marciniak, 42, refereed the final of the World Cup in Qatar between Argentina and France in December. He was responsible for seven games in the Champions League this season, including the semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid. Marciniak has also been appointed as the referee for the final, in which the teams of Manchester City and Inter Milan meet in Istanbul on June 10.
READ ALSO:
— The initiative of the deputy head of the State Department regarding Judge Marciniak! Jabłoński: Let’s all sign the letter to UEFA. He is representative of our country
— Mentzen cuts off speculation: The charge against Szymon Marciniak is absurd. He has never expressed any support for my political activities
— There is a response from the Minister of Sports and Tourism about Marciniak! Bortniczuk: We will be applying to UEFA with a referee support position
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Source: wPolityce
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.