Liverpool vs Galatasaray referee apologized after attending far-right event

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Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will officiate Liverpool vs Galatasaray at Anfield on Wednesday as the Reds attempt to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit

Szymon Marciniak, here with Lionel Messi during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, will be in charge at Anfield on Wednesday(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Highly-rated referee Szymon Marciniak, who previously had to apologize for his association with a far-right event, will officiate the Liverpool vs Galatasaray match on Wednesday evening.

The Reds, looking to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against the Turkish heavyweights in the UEFA Champions League, will see Marciniak take the reins at Anfield.

Marciniak is set to mediate some intense clashes as Arne Slot's team vie for one of their last chances at securing silverware this season. However, the Polish official has faced controversy in the past, having been forced to apologize for attending a business gathering linked to a far-right political figure.

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 informed UEFA about the 45-year-old's attendance and involvement in an event associated with Slawomir Mentzen, a leader of the far-right Confederation party.

Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, claimed he was "gravely misled and completely unaware" of Mentzen's connection to the conference. In a statement released by UEFA, the referee expressed: "I want to express my deepest apologies for my involvement and any distress or harm it may have caused.

The referee was forced to apologise for attending a far-right event(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)

"I had no knowledge that [the conference] was associated with a Polish extreme-right movement. 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 acknowledged Never Again's acceptance of Marciniak's apology at the time and confirmed his role as the referee for the European final. They stated that "removing him would undermine the promotion of anti-discrimination," and added: "Based on the information provided, UEFA confirms that Mr. Marciniak will fulfil his role as the referee for the 2023 UEFA Champions League final."

Polish sports minister Kamil Bortniczuk stood by Marciniak during this controversy, asserting that the referee delivered a 45-minute speech of a "strictly business, motivational and inspirational character" unrelated to Mentzen.

In a bid to further clear his name on social media, Marciniak informed his Instagram followers that he had "never supported nor legitimised any political party, organisation or individual politician."

Following this contentious episode, Marciniak has refereed at the FIFA Club World Cup and served as the fourth official for Spain's 2-1 victory over England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final.

Three years later, the Polish ref is set to take centre stage for Liverpool vs Galatasaray, with the Reds' European journey hanging in the balance.