AC Milan are convinced that several refereeing decisions have had a major impact on the title race. This is what La Gazzetta dello Sport writes after the Rossoneri’s defeat to Parma Calcio 1913, a match shaped by controversial incidents. And this comes despite a phone call to the Associazione Italiana Arbitri earlier in the week.
The Club’s Protest
Following the controversy after the match against Como 1907, including Van der Brempt’s harsh challenge on Pavlovic that went unpunished and the failure to send off Fabregas for pulling Saelemaekers, frustration continues within the Milan management.
The most disputed incident concerns the penalty not awarded by referee Piccinini for Corvi’s challenge on Loftus Cheek. The goalkeeper struck only the English player and not the ball, causing an injury that forced the midfielder to undergo surgery. For the referee, however, it was considered a normal coming together.
There were also strong protests regarding Parma’s decisive goal. Maignan was allegedly obstructed by Valenti with what was seen as a deliberate block. Piccinini initially blew for a foul, but after a very lengthy VAR review, he allowed the goal to stand. Milan’s directors argue that there was no clear and obvious error that would justify such a review. Memories go back to a previous episode against US Sassuolo Calcio, when a goal by Pulisic was disallowed for a very slight contact in the penalty area between Loftus Cheek and Koné, which was later judged regular by the referees’ association, as relayed via Milan Press.
The newspaper takes a clear stance. According to Milan, in the space of four days, similar incidents could have been worth as many as five additional points in the standings, narrowing the gap to league leaders Inter Milan. While their position in the Champions League places remains secure, there is now little that can be done in the race for the title. One wonders what might have happened with more consistent officiating.
