Marciniak: World Cup Final Referee Hits Back at Critics Over Messi Goal

• Szymon Marciniak, the referee for the 2022 World Cup final, responds to criticism that Lionel Messi’s second goal shouldn’t have counted
• French media claimed that he should have chalked off Messi's extra-time goal because substitutes appeared to enter the pitch
• The 41-year-old referee has since received high praise for his inch-perfect performance in the World Cup final

Szymon Marciniak has finally broken his silence on claims that Lionel Messi's extra-time goal in the World Cup final should have been disallowed.

Marciniak, who has been lauded by many for his near-perfect decisions in the finals of the World Cup, was accused of incompetence by the French media in the epic encounter between Argentina and France.

According to French media, Messi's extra-time goal shouldn't have stood due to the encroachment of Argentina substitutes on the pitch.

However, the Polish referee has refuted such claims, literally fighting fire with fire in his response, per Hindustan Times.

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"The French didn't mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappe scores a goal,” the Polish official stated, holding a picture of the encroachment to reporters via GOAL.

Fans claim World Cup was rigged

Football fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with officiating in the final of the 2022 World Cup, between defending champions France and favourites Argentina.

Officiating at this year's Mundial has been dogged by allegedly shady refereeing decisions, particularly in the business end of the competition, with many football fans arguing the tournament has been skewed to favour Argentina.

According to Sportingnews, Argentina have previously been awarded four penalties prior to the final, raising concerns about the level of officiating.

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Fans want final replayed

Sports Brief reported that the FIFA World Cup ended with a thrilling climax on December 18th when Argentina beat France on post-match penalties.

France players have since sent out apology messages as Argentina players continue with passionate celebrations. Both teams have returned home as players prepare to get back to their respective clubs with league action set to resume next week.

But to some fans, it's not yet over. An online petition to have the final replayed is quickly gathering pace with close to 200,000 fans having signed the petition so far at the time of writing. The Mirror reports that French website Mesopinion are the generators of the petition.