In a relatively calm match in terms of intensity, like yesterday’s game between Milan and Hellas Verona, there was still room for a controversial refereeing decision. Shortly before the 60th minute, after an attacking run by Alex Jimenez that was closed down for a corner by Ondrej Duda, the Slovakian player slapped the back of the Rossoneri Spaniard’s neck.
Jimenez immediately reacted by pushing his opponent, who then fell to the ground. This latter scene was the most blatant and also the only one noticed by the entire refereeing team, including the assistant who was in an excellent position.
The result was a yellow card for Jimenez, but nothing for Duda, who was already booked. At the very least, the Verona player should have also been sanctioned, and he arguably could have been sent off directly for violent conduct.
Today, the media analysts unanimously agree that Duda was at risk of a red card and was let off the hook. Tuttosport directly mentioned it in Fourneau’s referee rating: “He forgives a second yellow for Duda, which could have been given.” Corriere dello Sport wrote: “Duda takes a big risk: already booked (for a harsh tackle on Joao Felix, with an excellent advantage played and a delayed yellow in that case), he extends his arm and ‘dusts off’ Jimenez’s collar, who turns around and pushes him. The latter was booked, but the second yellow for the Verona player should have been given as well.”
