Pedri slams UEFA and calls for investigation into Inter vs Barcelona referee in extraordinary interview after their Champions League defeat

Champions League refereeing has been thrust into the spotlight in the aftermath of Barcelona's semi-final defeat against Inter Milan.

Barcelona suffered late heartbreak in their second leg in Italy, where Raphinha's late goal was cancelled out in stoppage time by Francesco Acerbi to make it 3-3 on the night and 6-6 on aggregate.

Davide Frattesi scored the extra-time goal that settled an extraordinary tie and Barcelona star Pedri was enraged by a very predictable target.

Speaking to media after the remarkable game in Milan, the 22-year-old midfielder didn't hold back on his views about referee Szymon Marciniak.

"It's not the first time this has happened with this referee and I believe UEFA should have a look at it," said semi-final loser Pedri.

"I think there are things I don't understand and they are very hard to explain.

"There's one incident with Lamine [Yamal] where I think [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan already had a yellow card. It was either a penalty or a foul. Either way it's a clear yellow card and he should've been sent off.

"Honestly, I don't understand it."

Barcelona, who conceded a goal every 30 minutes across the two-legged tie against Inter, felt aggrieved about a number of incidents but comments like Pedri's are deeply unhelpful in an era of systematic referee scapegoating.

There's a fine but important line between complaining about a decision and making vague but pointed insinuations about an official's integrity.

Inter Milan and Barcelona with Szymon Marciniak (Image: Getty)

Hinting at bias without concrete examples is a cowardly response to defeat and panders to the worst conspiratorial excesses of Football Twitter.

If there's a UEFA investigation to be undertaken, Pedri's veiled allegation should be its subject and Marciniak's representatives could also take an interest.

The Spain international is a tremendous footballer with a multitude of attributes and started 13 of Barcelona's 14 matches in this season's Champions League.

Barcelona's frustration is understandable. They were moments away from winning a slugfest of a tie and returning to the final of the Champions League for the first time since 2015.

But the Catalan giants should reflect on a successful season and an instant classic they lost by the odd goal in 13, not trash Marciniak's reputation because it's convenient.