Bologna complain ‘referee too permissive’ with Roma in Europa League | OneFootball

Bologna were critical of the refereeing in their 1-1 Europa League draw with Roma, as coach Vincenzo Italiano and Santiago Castro claimed there was a foul in the build-up to the equaliser.

This may have been an all-Italian derby at the Stadio Dall’Ara, but it was still a UEFA fixture, so the referee was Sven Jablonski of Germany, with Bastian Dankert as the VAR.

Their approach to officiating was different to what the Rossoblu were accustomed to, and this was reflected in the Lorenzo Pellegrini goal.

Bologna protest at UEFA refereeing

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Remo Freuler was on the ball, I don’t know what intensity the contact was from Donyell Malen, but the referee could’ve given a foul there,” said Italiano in his press conference.

“The referee is German and perhaps he is used to doing things this way. He was too permissive overall, especially with Evan Ndicka, who limited Castro by pulling his shirt, pushing and holding his arm.

“If he had been booked, then perhaps it would’ve allowed Castro a little more freedom to actually play.”

There was indeed a long VAR check after the Pellegrini equaliser before the go-ahead was given to allow the goal, as Malen had battled with defenders to provide the assist.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Referee Sven Jablonski and Assistant referees Eduard Beitinger, Lasse Koslowski line up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Federico Bernardeschi had opened the scoring for the hosts with a curling effort at the dawn of the second half.

“I think we had a great performance, took the lead and should’ve kept hold of that,” Castro told reporters in his press conference.

“We can say the referee didn’t do well for us after our goal. I don’t think it’s possible that they had four or five fouls on me and no cards, but this is football and that’s how it works in Europe.”

It is therefore all to play for in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday evening.