Marciniak, while addressing the issue at a press event in Poland, wondered why France fans referred to Messi’s saga but ignored Mbappe’s
By Kehinde Okeowo
Polish referee, Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup finals between France and Argentina has hit back at accusations from the French public that he favoured the eventual winner, Argentina.
According to French fans and some of their supporters in other countries, Marciniak ought to have disallowed Argentina’s third goal during the intriguing encounter.
The South Americans needed penalties to beat France and lift the World Cup for the first time in 36 years after the game finished 3-3 after 120 minutes.
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During the game, Lionel Messi scored twice while Angel Di Maria also found the net for the Albiceleste.
Kylian Mbappe on the other hand, hit a remarkable hat-trick for Les Bleus in what was a thrilling affair.
However, Marciniak’s performance has come under scrutiny especially from French fans, with over 200,000 signing a petition to get the match replayed due to perceived “mistakes”.
The most notable complaint was about Messi’s second goal which made it 3-2 before Mbappe restored parity.
They claim it should have been chalked off, with match footage showing two substitutes on the field of play as the Argentina captain hooked the ball over the line.
Reacting to the allegation while speaking at a press event in Poland, Marciniak pulled out his phone from his pocket.
The FIFA badge referee then showed footage on his phone to the journalists present and queried why the French supporters only saw the incident involving Messi but ignored that of Paris Saint Germain striker, Mbappe.
He said: “The French didn’t mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappe scores a goal.”
