Roma defender Mancini fumes with ref Maresca after AC Milan defeat

Football
1 Nov 2021 • 10:35 AM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

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Roma defender Gianluca Mancini was furious with the match officials after their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan.

There were Roma penalty appeals for a Simon Kjaer challenge on Lorenzo Pellegrini, while the manner of Milan's penalty won by Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also questioned.

“We share the coach's anger, everyone saw the incidents. The penalty on Ibanez was absolutely not a penalty. The referee was told to view it again on VAR, he still made that decision," centre-back Mancini told DAZN.

“Defenders aren't allowed to tackle, we have to jump with our arms behind our backs, that's not football.

“Then there was a huge penalty at the end where Kjaer caught Pellegrini on the shin. That's a penalty, but VAR did not intervene. It was clear as day.

“Referees come to talk to us, they say be careful with handling offences, and that makes all us defenders have to jump like penguins.

“They keep saying they don't want to give so many penalties, yet award penalties like that. It was a perfectly normal tackle in the box with two players going for the ball. Ibrahimovic wasn't even in a position to shoot.

“Referees can make mistakes, just like players, we are all human beings. However, there are five officials or something in the VAR, if they call you over to view it again, it means you've made a mistake.

“I went to (Fabio) Maresca after the final whistle and told him what I told you, that it was a normal tackle and Ibrahimovic couldn't even shoot."

He added: “I am someone who watches a lot of football. I think 12 yellow cards was far too many for this game. Look at the Premier League, they'd laugh if you officiated like that, especially with that penalty.

“I don't want to show a lack of respect to anyone, but honestly, it feels like a joke. Kjaer didn't get the ball, he only got Pellegrini's calf. I feel taken for a ride."


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