Polish reaction to Judge Szymon Marciniak
Across political lines in Poland, statements about Judge Szymon Marciniak have converged on a single message. He is regarded by many as a premier referee who treats all people with dignity on and off the field. A prime ministerial statement underscored that a single, harsh opinion should not define a judge’s character or career.
UEFA report and Marciniak’s role in the final
UEFA confirmed it would issue a formal statement regarding Szymon Marciniak, who is scheduled to referee the UEFA Champions League final on June 10. The Everest Conference in Katowice, held on a recent Monday, featured participation from Marciniak and was organized by a leading figure of a political group, Sławomir Mentzen, according to the Never Again association.
The Never Again co-founder Rafał Pankowski expressed strong concerns about Marciniak’s public association with Mentzen and what was described as an emblematic brand of far-right politics. He argued that such associations clash with principles of fair play, equality, and respect. The association urged the judge to acknowledge any missteps and called for action by UEFA and FIFA if he did not.
Unified political stance
The incident prompted a statement from the head of government on social media, noting that “all political forces in Poland speak with one voice about Judge Marciniak.” The premier reiterated that the judge is highly regarded for his professionalism and humanity and urged restraint against a single contentious viewpoint. The message also carried a public hashtag promoting the judge as exemplary.
The prime minister’s tweet carried the message: a single, dishonest opinion should not define the judge, and Marciniak remains among the best referees in the world.
Opposition perspectives
Opposition figures joined the conversation on social media, with some alleging that Mentzen used Marciniak to advance a political show. Robert Biedroń, a prominent opposition figure, suggested the association might have been instrumental for political theater. He acknowledged Marciniak’s strong stance against xenophobia and racism witnessed in stadiums and expressed support for Marciniak leading the final.
The leader of the PSL criticized the allegations, describing them as absurd and urging respect for the chance Marciniak has to referee the Champions League final. Wishing him success in Istanbul, support came from other party leaders as well.
Szymon Hołownia commented that Mentzen’s far-right politics should not overshadow a broader public debate, while emphasizing that Marciniak’s conduct on the field aligns with values distant from extremism. Hołownia noted that removing a Polish referee from the final would be inappropriate given his record and character.
PZPN position
The Polish Football Association (PZPN) issued a formal note stating that Marciniak had provided a detailed account of the situation. The federation stressed that he does not know Sławomir Mentzen and has never spoken with him. After reviewing the evidence and speaking with the referee, PZPN rejected all allegations against Marciniak.
According to PZPN findings, Marciniak attended the Everest conference as an invited speaker and delivered a 40-minute motivational presentation on May 29 in Katowice, with twelve speakers in attendance. Following his appearance, he traveled to Warsaw to participate in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa Gala, which marked the close of the football season.
Marciniak’s own statement
On Thursday evening, Marciniak shared a statement with the Never Again association. He stated that, as an international referee, he has consistently prioritized fair play and respect for others, and he aims to instill these values in others. He asserted his opposition to expressions of racism, anti-Semitism, and bigotry, noting that such attitudes have no place at the matches he referees. He called for an end to hate and emphasized the importance of being a good person.
The Ministry of Sports later said it would forward the ministry’s official position on the referee to UEFA. Sports and Tourism Minister Kamil Bortniczuk indicated ongoing contact with Marciniak and described the situation as a case of manipulated narrative.
Marciniak, 42, has refereed the World Cup final in Qatar between Argentina and France and has officiated several Champions League matches this season, including a semifinal between Manchester City and Real Madrid. He is set to referee the final in Istanbul on June 10, featuring Manchester City and Inter Milan.
Source materials related to this topic were reported by wPolityce and other outlets during the coverage period.
— A deputy head of the State Department has urged support for Marciniak, and leaders have voiced support or concern in various forums. — Mentzen’s public remarks were addressed, and statements from sports authorities emphasized a measured approach to the situation. — The Polish Minister of Sports commented on the broader significance of the situation and the plan to communicate with UEFA about the referee’s position.
End of report from wPolityce.