AC Milan have chosen an approach different to that of their rivals when it comes to disagreeing with refereeing decisions.
As MilanNews write, Sunday’s defeat against Parma was just the latest in a series of matches that saw Milan harmed in some way by rather dubious officiating decisions. The list this season is long, and the hierarchy believe that it has cost valuable points in the table.
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From the penalty denied to Christopher Nkunku in round three to the failure to send off Ademola Lookman in Atalanta-Milan, from Moreo’s block on Gabbia in Milan-Pisa to Andrea Colombo’s behaviour in Roma-Milan, there are many decisions Milan feel aggrieved about.
Unlike Napoli and Juventus, however, Milan have chosen to remain silent, as evidenced by the fact that none of their directors appeared in front of the TV cameras on Sunday or after any other injustice to voice anger.
So, while their rivals navigate the storm by talking up a storm of their own, Milan prefer to keep quiet. There was talk of a call made to the AIA (Italian Association of Referees) to voice displeasure after the draw against Como, yet it clearly hasn’t worked. So, the question marks remain about the approach.
Vitiello’s take
In his weekly column for MilanNews, Antonio Vitiello addressed the fact that Milan are not making their voice heard, at least publicly.
“[…] Having said that, we’re witnessing glaring errors that have essentially distorted the season. Every Sunday, there’s controversy and complaints about absurd refereeing decisions. We’re used to seeing it all. Against Parma, there were three errors in the same incident.
“When Parma scored and the goal was validated after a VAR check, there were three errors. The first is that, according to protocol, VAR shouldn’t intervene, because the referee has already made the on-field decision.
“The second error: there was a foul on Bartesaghi, with Troilo jumping on the Rossoneri defender’s back. The third error: a Parma player obstructed Maignan as he was coming out. Result: the goal was validated and Milan lost its second league match.”
I would just fall to the ground if I was Bartesaghi. If you decide to stand, then stand tall and contest. If you play the witty move, then fall to the ground. Standing and watching high balls fly in is the new norm.
There is double standard in regards against Milan. But our management look incompetent for do nothing but silent.
If we’re being honest:
1. Mike flopped back too easily, and gave up. We’ve seen him shove fools out of the way and move mountains when he needed to. But he sort of gave up hoping for the call.
2. Bartesaghi wasn’t really pushed and and just didn’t jump soon enough showing his inexperience. That’s not his first time either, as again in the Roma match he was completely unaware of Celik behind him.
3. There was nothing wrong with what Parma did. Our back line fell asleep. Frankly, at home, against Parma, Milan should be dominating AND scoring more than one, instead of hoping a single goal is disallowed deciding the match.
I thought it was good goal as well and wasn’t surprised when VAR confirmed it.
There were two – one to block Mike, the second to keep what first one was doing out of view. Secondly, there was a foul (a climb) on Bartesaghi. When you see the reviews, you wonder why the refs can’t see clearly. If that goal had been scored by Milan, the ref wouldn’t take so long to chop it off after a review. If a club or coach complains every now and then, they face the anger of other refs in their remaining games.