“Roma” head coach Claudio Ranieri's team lost to “Atalanta” (1:2). This result ended “Roma”'s 19-match unbeaten streak and seriously diminished their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. However, Ranieri's attention was mainly focused on the controversial VAR decision in the 63rd minute.
When the score was 1:1, referee Simone Sozza awarded a penalty in favor of “Roma.” This decision was made after a collision between “Atalanta” player Mario Pasalic and “Roma” midfielder Manu Kone. However, after a VAR review, the penalty was canceled, which caused Ranieri's strong discontent.
According to Ranieri, VAR should only intervene in clear and obvious mistakes. He emphasized that if Pasalic made contact with Kone and the referee awarded a penalty, VAR should not have intervened in that decision. He also expressed concern about the rules changing from game to game.
— I want to ask the experts: was this a penalty or not? If this situation is “60/40,” we were told that VAR should only intervene in clear and obvious mistakes.
It is evident that Pasalic acted incorrectly, did not place his foot properly, and touched our player (Kone). Therefore, VAR should not have intervened. The referee awarded a penalty — thus, the decision should not have changed.
The rules are changing from game to game, we accept this, but the lack of consistency in our league is concerning. It is clear that Pasalic made contact with Kone. Since the referee awarded a penalty, VAR should have remained silent.
I am not asking whether there is a penalty or not. I am asking: can the VAR system intervene in contacts from the knee or foot?
We accept it, but for fairness in sports, the rules must be clear. Have they really changed? — the Italian specialist described.
“Roma”'s defeat has reduced the team's chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Currently, the team is in 6th place with 63 points. Ranieri emphasized that the team will continue to fight until the end.
“Atalanta,” on the other hand, climbed to 3rd place with 71 points through this victory and secured their place in the Champions League.
This controversial decision and Ranieri's criticism may intensify discussions about the use of the VAR system and the clarity of the rules in Italian football.
