Ex Serie A Referee Criticizes Daniele Doveri After Milan Derby Controversy: “Penalty Denied To Inter Was Very Easy To See On VAR” | OneFootball

Former Serie A referee Graziano Cesari believes Daniele Doveri made a mistake during last night’s clash between AC Milan and Inter.

Speaking to Pressing via FCInter1908, the 69-year-old criticized the highly rated official for a massive oversight.

Daniele Doveri had a great game until things spiraled into chaos in the second-half stoppages.

Indeed, he first blew the whistle to stop the play, denying the Nerazzurri a last-gasp equalizer.

Then, he refused to award a penalty to the runaway leaders, even though Samuele Ricci handled the ball inside the box.

Doveri’s call directly influenced the outcome, condemning Cristian Chivu to another frustrating result in the Milan derby.

While Gianluca Rocchi and others have hailed Doveri’s decision, Cesari believes the 48-year-old didn’t make a correct call.

Instead, he insists Doveri should have reviewed the incident on the side-pitch monitor before making the final decision.

Graziano Cesari Blasts Daniele Doveri After AC Milan 1-0 Inter Defeat

Although the VAR booth upheld Doveri’s on-field decision, Cesari offered a different view.

“Up until the 92nd minute, Doveri refereed very well, then this happens. Doveri is lost, he seems disoriented,” Cesari insisted. “He didn’t see anything and maybe waits for help from VAR officials Abisso and Di Bello.”

Asked why he thinks Doveri was disoriented, Cesari replied: “Because he sees nothing, he can’t see. Ricci’s arm opens up, it’s not consistent with his run: it goes toward the ball and retracts when softened. It’s very easy to see on VAR.”

Moreover, he explained why the VAR official refused to call Doveri.

“That’s the interesting part: this is called psychological subordination. At VAR, there are two regular referees, so they don’t call it.”

Finally, he drew a comparison between last night’s incident and Yann Bisseck’s handball against Lazio.

“There’s a big difference there: the VAR review! So the VAR intervenes and corrects. It’s exactly the same thing, there’s a VAR helping the referee there. And the rules haven’t changed.”