In the grand theater of Serie A football, where passion often rivals tactical brilliance, moments of controversy are as much a part of the narrative as stunning goals. The recent clash between AC Milan and Bologna, which saw Milan emerge with a narrow 1-0 victory, became less about the scoreline and more about a singular, perplexing decision that once again placed VAR (Video Assistant Referee) squarely under the microscope. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even with technological advancements, the pursuit of flawless officiating remains an intricate dance between human judgment and digital assistance.
A Double Incident, A Singular Focus
The pivotal moment unfolded with AC Milan leading by a single goal. Their player, Christopher Nkunku, was making a promising run when he was first subtly nudged from behind by Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi. The on-field referee, Matteo Marcenaro, allowed play to continue. Nkunku, resilient, regained his footing and pressed forward, only to then go down again under a challenge from Remo Freuler. It was at this second contact that Referee Marcenaro pointed to the penalty spot, signaling what appeared to be a crucial opportunity for the Rossoneri.
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn. The VAR official, Michael Fabbri, intervened, advising Marcenaro to review the incident at the pitchside monitor. What transpired next was the crux of the controversy: the referee was reportedly shown only the replay of the second challenge involving Freuler. Upon review, it became evident that Freuler had made no contact with Nkunku’s ankle, leading Marcenaro to revoke the penalty, announcing his decision to a bewildered stadium.
The VAR`s “Serious Mistake” – An Expert`s View
The decision ignited a firestorm of protest, culminating in Milan coach Max Allegri being sent off for dissent. But it was the analysis of refereeing expert Luca Marelli that truly illuminated the systemic flaw in this particular VAR intervention. Marelli, a former referee himself, provided a compelling explanation on DAZN Italia, asserting that “the serious mistake is made by VAR” even more than by the on-field referee.
Marelli meticulously broke down the incident: while Marcenaro might have initially erred by missing Lucumi’s clear push on Nkunku, the colossal error lay with VAR Fabbri. The VAR’s responsibility, in such a complex sequence of events, is to present the complete picture. Instead, Marcenaro was afforded only a partial view, reviewing solely the second part of the incident. This omission, Marelli argued, deprived the referee of the opportunity to correctly identify the first, decisive foul.
According to Marelli, Lucumi’s initial push on Nkunku was a “clear and obvious error” that went unpunished. Nkunku, having a clear run at goal against goalkeeper Skorupski, was impeded from behind without any legitimate attempt by Lucumi to play the ball. Such an offense, under football’s laws, falls under the category of DOGSO (Denying a Goal or Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity). This classification doesn`t just warrant a penalty; it also typically calls for a red card for the offending player. The VAR, in Marelli’s view, should have recalled the referee to review the entire sequence, opening up the possibility of a penalty and a red card for the initial challenge, rather than focusing solely on the non-foul.
The Enduring Debate: Technology vs. Judgment
This incident transcends a single match outcome; it reignites the perennial debate surrounding VAR`s implementation and its inherent challenges. Designed to eradicate “clear and obvious errors,” VAR itself can, ironically, become a source of error when its operators fail to provide a comprehensive review. The technology is a tool, but its effectiveness is profoundly reliant on the human element – the judgment, diligence, and thoroughness of the VAR official.
The frustration expressed by coaches like Allegri is not merely about a missed penalty; it’s about the perceived failure of a system intended to bring greater fairness and transparency. When a review process, meant to clarify, instead introduces a “blind spot” that overlooks a potentially game-changing foul, it undermines confidence. Football, in its essence, is a fluid, fast-paced game, and translating its nuances into a series of frames for review often proves more complicated than anticipated.
Lessons from the Sideline
As VAR continues its evolution in top-flight football, incidents like the Milan-Bologna penalty fiasco serve as crucial case studies. They highlight the need for not just consistent application of the rules, but also for comprehensive and unbiased presentation of evidence during video reviews. The goal of objective officiating remains paramount, yet the path to achieving it, even with the aid of sophisticated technology, appears to be paved with continuous learning and, occasionally, contentious debate. Perhaps the biggest lesson is that while technology can assist, the human eye, backed by complete information, remains indispensable for truly understanding the beautiful, chaotic game.
