CorSera: VAR referee blamed ‘unclear images’ for not calling handball in Milan-Udinese

AC Milan’s 1-1 draw against Udinese wasn’t without controversy as the visitors should have had their equaliser disallowed. It’s an incident which, however, was overshadowed by the Rossoneri’s poor display. 

Stefano Pioli’s side really played into Udinese’s hands after taking the lead in the first half, sitting back rather than trying to get a second goal. It proved costly although the way in which Udinese’s equaliser came about was frustrating to see.

All major outlets, as well as the players on the pitch, all agree that Udogie used his arm to steer the ball into the back of the net. VAR conducted a quick check but never told the referee, Matteo Marchetti, to go out and check the incident on the screen.

According to Corriere Della Sera, as cited by MilanNews, the handball is clear and visible on the replays. Marco Guida, who was in charge of VAR, wrote in his report that the images weren’t clear enough to get the referee to conduct an on-field review. It’s hard to believe that after seeing the replays, though. 

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