GENOA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 16: Referee Michael Fabbri reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 16, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) | OneFootball

Referee Michael Fabbri has been branded a “disaster” for his handling of Inter Milan’s Serie A loss to Roma yesterday.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, condemn the officiating in the match. They particularly focus on a late penalty denied to Inter.

Inter Milan can hardly blame the referee for their performance against Roma yesterday.

The story on the pitch was clear, particularly in the first half, as Inter did not do nearly enough to earn a result against Roma.

However, the Gazzetta argue, that does not mean that Fabbri did a good job with his refereeing by any means.

Firstly, the newspaper argues, Fabbri allowed things to get too physical.

The Gazzetta particularly single out one moment in which the referee did not book Giallorossi midfielder Manu Kone for a studs-up challenge on Nicolo Barella.

Meanwhile, the Gazzetta also argued that the yellow card for Inter captain Lautaro Martinez was harsh. It had more to do with the exaggerated reaction of defender Gianluca Mancini than anything else.

Michael Fabbri Branded A “Disaster” In Inter Milan 0-1 Roma Serie A Clash

EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 15: Michael Fabbri referee looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Bologna FC at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 15, 2024 in Empoli, Italy.(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

However, the Gazzetta argue, the worst was yet to come from Fabbri.

Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck appealed for a penalty in the closing stages of the match.

The German went down as he attempted to turn in a headed flick by Marko Arnautovic.

Roma defender Evan Ndicka was the player marking Bisseck.

And to say that Ndicka was getting physical with the Inter defender would be an understatement.

The Ivorian had both arms firmly around the waist of Bisseck, dragging him back for several metres.

Inexplicably, Fabbri did not view the incident as a foul, however. He did not point to the spot – and the VAR did not intervene either.

In the view of the Gazzetta, however, this was a blatant error from the officials.

There was little doubt that Ndicka was fouling Bisseck with his dragback. But Fabbri simply failed to see it.