Real vs. Bayern clash marred by refereeing controversy, Polish assistant referee at center
Szymon Marciniak has sparked discussions among fans after Wednesday's Champions League match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, which ended 2:1. A contentious moment towards the match's conclusion involved assistant referee Tomasz Listkiewicz, leading to public debate. Michal Listkiewicz, Tomasz's father and a former referee, has defended his son, asserting that Tomasz did not apologize to the Bayern Munich players as claimed.
On Wednesday (8 May), the Champions League semi-final second-leg clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich was held. Amidst high drama and last-minute goals, "Los Blancos" clinched a 2:1 victory, securing their spot in the final.
A significant controversy arose near the match's end. In the thirteenth minute of added time, Bayern managed to score, but this was after referee Szymon Marciniak had already called offside following assistant referee Tomasz Listkiewicz's flag raise. The offside call was contentious.
Post-match, a Bayern player echoed Thomas Tuchel's sentiments that assistant referee Tomasz Listkiewicz admitted his premature flag raise was a mistake.
“The referee's decision was a big mistake. The linesman told me: I'm sorry, I made a mistake,” Matthijs de Ligt reported to beIN Sports.
Father stands by his son
In a surprising turn, Michał Listkiewicz, a seasoned former referee and ex-president of the Polish Football Association (PZPN) and father to Tomasz, contradicts the account given by the Bayern player.
“I find that hard to believe because referees are not supposed to apologize. My son has ample experience... I have often heard claims that referees acknowledged their mistakes and apologized. However, that’s not accurate. Referees are instructed not to apologize. While it’s difficult to fault De Ligt due to emotions, I am skeptical that my son, or any referee, would apologize,” Michal Listkiewicz conveyed to "Super Express".
