Lazio protest against VAR decision, as expert gives verdict

Lazio refused to speak to the media after the controversial finale to their 1-0 defeat at AC Milan, but refereeing expert Luca Marelli broke down that refereeing decision.

The Biancocelesti came out fighting at San Siro and almost took the lead in the opening 90 seconds when Mike Maignan fingertipped a Mario Gila header onto the crossbar.

Maignan was also decisive on Mattia Zaccagni, but it was Milan who took the lead after the restart with a well-worked team move, finished off by Rafael Leao from six yards.

There was chaos on the touchline in stoppages when referee Giuseppe Collu evaluated a potential Strahinja Pavlovic handling offence, but ultimately decided Adam Marusic had fouled him first.

It still saw both Max Allegri and Lazio assistant manager Marco Ianni sent off for dissent.

The Aquile’s anger over this decision prompted them to call a press silence, so none of their players, coach, or representatives of the club spoke to the media after the final whistle.

Instead, they posted footage of the incident on their social media channels with this message.

“We are sorry that we cannot go to the press room this evening, but we’ll let the images speak for us.”

A post shared by S.S. Lazio (@official_sslazio)

That decision caused a great deal of controversy, so DAZN asked refereeing pundit Marelli to explain the situation.

“It cannot be a penalty from Pavlovic for three reasons. The first is that the two players are extremely close together, secondly the arm does not move towards the ball, because it is behind Pavlovic, so he can’t possibly see it and react that fast.

“Collu ultimately made the right decision in the wrong way, because saying there was a foul from Marusic is exaggerated too.”

This reflects the view provided by the Sky Sport Italia pundits in the studio too, who called Collu “a genius” for managing to make everyone both happy and angry.

“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.”