Rebic's 'punch' and the penalty on Calabria: Controversial incidents vs. Sampdoria reviewed

There were a number of controversial incidents during AC Milan’s 4-1 win over Sampdoria on Wednesday night, including a couple where the right outcome arguably wasn’t reached.

Thursday’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanLive) has highlighted the most important refereeing episodes from the game at the Marassi.

At the end of the first half there was an altercation between Ante Rebic and Gaston Ramirez following a clash. The two went head to head, then the Croat seemed to hit the opponent lightly, who makes himself fall very easily simulating a serious blow.

Referee Fabrizio Pasqua seems not to have seen what happened, but he still stopped the game. VAR can only intervene to give straight red cards, and instead Rebic was booked.

You don’t want THESE HANDS. Upping the Ante 🤝

pic.twitter.com/5GozNjBghw

— Kilpin. (@KilpinChronicle) July 29, 2020

In the 52nd minute Pasqua disallowed a goal by Hakan Calhanoglu, thinking that the Turkey international had committed a foul on Colley. Luckily, VAR called him to review on the monitor, and he reversed his decision after deciding there was no foul.

In minute 76, a penalty was given to Sampdoria for a foul by Simon Kjaer on Andrea Bertolacci. At first the penalty was not awarded, then Pasqua changed his mind again to give the correct decision.

Il Corriere dello Sport also indicated another slow-motion episode, in the first half when Davide Calabria want down in the area after a contact with Augello. According to the referee there was nothing, but the Milan full-back was actually hit on the left ankle.