Paulo Fonseca's words yesterday regarding referee La Penna's officiating were rather strong after Atalanta-Milan:
"I have always stayed silent while everyone else speaks, but not anymore. I have never discussed refereeing decisions, but the first goal is a foul, it’s clear. There is no doubt, and I’ve had enough—I have no more understanding. I know referees have a tough job, but against Milan, it’s always the same; there is no respect for us at this moment."
Fonseca added:
"Against Milan, there is never any doubt, and it’s not just today. I’m not afraid to speak the truth, and I’m doing it now. I have always respected the referees’ work, but there are so many mistakes, week after week, always against the same team. The way this match was officiated was disrespectful to Milan; I felt it from the first minute. In such a situation, we start the game conceding a goal that isn’t ‘legal.’ Today, I’m angry about this situation, but every week there are so many other errors. La Penna was at VAR against Udinese, and we saw what happened. I feared this referee, and he started off well… but he became a negative factor in the match, leaving Milan without points on a pitch where we could have taken them."
These strong statements caused quite a stir.
What are AC Milan's stances regarding referee La Penna and coach Fonseca?
The Rossoneri club management's view, however, aligns with Fonseca’s opinion: that De Ketelaere’s goal should have been disallowed due to an evident foul by the Belgian on Theo Hernandez.
The refereeing issue is not being used as an alibi, though.
Despite this, Fonseca’s position as coach remains stable, with no discussions within the management about potentially replacing the Portuguese coach.
Source: Milan News
