World Cup final referee Szymon Marciniak has hit back at claims that Lionel Messi's extra-time goal against France should have been disallowed with a brilliant response.
Despite his impressive performance in the final, a number of Marciniak's calls have come under scrutiny by the French media after Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy last week. Les Blues were denied the opportunity to retain their crown in Qatar despite Kylian Mbappe's remarkable hat trick.
After bringing the game back to level terms in dramatic fashion, France found themselves 3-2 behind in extra time when Messi converted Lautaro Martinez's effort over the line from close range. However, following the final, reports in France began to criticise Marciniak's decision to allow the goal to stand after footage showed the Argentina substitutes on the field when the goal was scored.
READ MORE: Petition to replay World Cup final and rob Lionel Messi of success hits 200,000 signatures
However, speaking during a press conference, the Polish referee supplied the perfect response to the French's claims. 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.”
Marciniak then pulled out his phone to show a screenshot showing members of Didier Deschamps' unused players on the field when Mbappe found the net. The referee's argument is backed up by the laws of the game that suggest both goals should have been chalked off.
"The referee must disallow the goal if the extra person was: a player, substitute player, sent-off player or team official of the team that scored the goal," they state.
The referee's response comes after a petition calling for a replay of the final reached 200,000 signatures in France. Alongside the controversy of Messi's goal, it's thought there are frustrations about decisions against Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe in the build-up to Argentina's opening two goals.
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