President Of Italian Referee Association Ends Dumfries-Hand Ball Controversy In Napoli 1-1 Inter Milan Serie A Draw “Not Punishable” | OneFootball

President of the Italian Referee Association Antonio Zappi addressed the incident involving Denzel Dumfries in Saturday’s game against Napoli.

Speaking to Radio CRC via FCInterNews, Zappi backed referee Daniele Doveri for refusing to award a penalty against Inter Milan.

Another intense match between Antonio Conte and his former side produced several controversial moments.

Indeed, Inter could’ve won a penalty moments before Federico Dimarco scored a stunning free kick.

However, Scott McTominay’s mindless challenge on Dumfries went unpunished.

Even though the Scottish midfielder was nowhere near the ball, Doveri ruled against Inter.

Afterward, he refused to give Napoli a penalty for Dumfries’ handball, causing unrest in the Partenopei dugout.

Conte’s side leveled the score in the 87th minute through second-half substitute Philip Billing.

As a result, Inter and Napoli finished the round one point from each other.

Head Of Italian Referee Association Puts Dumfries Handball Controversy Vs Napoli to Bed

Doveri’s decision made Conte furious, yet Zappi insists the veteran referee made the right call.

“It is right that Commissioner Gianluca Rocchi provides technical interpretations because he should never intervene in technical explanations,” Zappi said.

Inter Milan’s Dutch defender #02 Denzel Dumfries gestures during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on September 16, 2023. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

“However, from a general perspective, I can refer to a factual principle regarding the Dumfries incident.

“When an arm, even if detached from the body, is positioned in a way that, if the ball were not there, it would hit another part of the body, it triggers a condition of non-punishability.

“If mistakes were made in the past, we should not dwell on them.

“The pursuit of uniformity should not mean repeating errors. Modifying rules requires long processes and experimentation.

“Football regulators need time and in-depth evaluations to determine the best approaches to implement.

“I hope football prioritizes substance over form.

“A player or coach should not leave the field doubting whether something went unseen or unassessed,” he concluded.