What happened in crazy AC Milan 1-0 Lazio VAR row

There was chaos in stoppages during AC Milan-Lazio, which saw two red cards on the touchline, a VAR On-Field Review, and a verdict that had Sky Sport Italia declare referee Giuseppe Collu “a genius.”

The Rossoneri were leading 1-0 thanks to a Rafael Leao goal when it went into stoppages and Alessio Romagnoli’s volley hit Strahinja Pavlovic on the elbow from point-blank range.

Collu at first waved play on, feeling that Pavlovic’s arm was in a natural position, as he was wrapped around Adam Marusic.

Contrasting emotions on display as VAR rules out Lazio’s 112th-minute penalty appeal 👀

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When the VAR evaluated the footage and recommended an On-Field Review, this sparked chaos with Milan coach Max Allegri and then Lazio assistant manager Marco Ianni both sent off for dissent.

This was even before Collu managed to get to the monitor and see the clip, so he had not yet given a verdict.

When he did make the most of this season’s technology allowing referees to explain their decisions in real time, it proved a bit of a bombshell moment.

“Having evaluated the footage, the Milan defender wearing Number 31’s arm is outside the silhouette, but before that, he is fouled by the Lazio Number 77, Marusic.”

Sky Sport Italia pundits in the studio noted that this made Collu “a genius” because he kept everyone happy, and angered everyone too.

“He allowed the VAR to save face for that absurd call, but also ensured justice was maintained by not giving what would’ve been a ridiculous penalty.”

The reaction on the field was a rollercoaster too, because Lazio players were smiling when hearing the description of the handball, only to be crestfallen when Collu continued and explained there had been a foul first.