Fiorentina 1-1 Juventus: Former Serie A Referee Gives Verdict on Vlahovic penalty decision

Former Serie A official Luca Marelli weighed in on the controversial incident involving Dušan Vlahović during Fiorentina’s 1-1 draw with Juventus, arguing that the final decision went beyond what VAR protocol allows.

In the opening minutes of the game, a penalty was initially awarded to the Bianconeri after a clever turn from Vlahović on Fiorentina defender Pablo Mari.

However, following an on-field VAR review, referee Daniele Doveri changed his mind.

Marelli initially felt there was no basis for a review, noting that both players were holding each other.

“They’re grappling, both of them, but Vlahović has already moved past his marker. That makes it a judgement for the on-field referee,” he said, with quotes via CalcioMercato, adding that a reassessment seemed unlikely at that stage.

Doveri was then called to the monitor and eventually awarded an attacking foul against Vlahović, effectively cancelling what Fiorentina thought might become a decisive penalty.

Marelli felt that outcome stretched the use of VAR too far. “Giving a free kick to Fiorentina looks like an overreach of the protocol. I don’t think Pablo Marí committed a foul, but claiming Vlahović did is also pushing it,” he said.

“Vlahović holds Pablo Marí, yes, but the Fiorentina defender does exactly the same to him. In situations like this you stick with the on-field decision. VAR clearly had doubts and handed the responsibility back to the referee.”