Italian Refereeing Expert Argues ‘No Excuses For VAR Blunder In AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan Serie A Draw | OneFootball

Italian refereeing expert Graziano Cesari feels there are “no excuses” for the VAR blunder in yesterday’s Serie A draw between AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Cesari gave his thoughts to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews. He was harshly critical of the decision not to award Inter a penalty in the second half.

Yesterday, Inter felt hard done by not to have been awarded a penalty in the derby against Milan.

The incident that caused such a stir came in the 73rd minute.

Inter striker Marcus Thuram was rushing into the box. He had beaten Milan defender Strahinja Pavolvic in a foot race.

And then, the Rossoneri defender appeared to foul Thuram. He made clear contact with the Frenchman’s shin, tripping him.

At the same time, Milan defender Theo Hernandez also got back to make a sliding challenge.

And it was Hernandez’s tackle that referee Daniele Chiffi – as well as the VAR – focused on.

There’s no question that Hernandez’s challenge was not a foul. However, replays of the contact by Pavlovic made it hard to see an argument that there was no foul by the Serbian international.

After yesterday’s match, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi fumed about the penalty incident.

Cesari: “No Excuses” For VAR Blunder In AC Milan Vs Inter Derby

For his part, refereeing expert Graziano Cesari feels that it was a clear penalty.

“Theo Hernandez’s tackle is clean,” said the former Serie A referee.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“But Pavlovic kicks the opponent’s leg,” he argued.

“My question is this,” Cesari said. “Beyond the assistant referee Peretti, who can easily see it and doesn’t give a signal, has Di Paolo fallen asleep in the VAR room?”

“There was the top VAR official in the room. And someone with great experience like Doveri.”

“And then there’s also the assistant referee, who can see the incident right int front of it,” Cesari added.

“I’m not saying it’s easy,” he added. “Pavlovic’s tackle clearly before Theo’s, though, so there are no excuses.”