Marco Di Bello lost control of the game between AC Milan and Lazio, dishing out three red cards to the latter and eleven yellow cards in total. As such, per various reports, the referee will be on the sidelines for at least a month.
It was indeed a heated game between two teams that wanted to win at all costs. The first red card sparked the controversy, as Lazio wanted to let the ball run out, but Christian Pulisic (rightfully so) played on and forced Luca Pellegrini to a second yellow card.
As reported by Sky Italia, as well as Corriere della Sera, the referee Di Bello will now be sidelined for at least a month after he lost control of the game. AIA, the referees’ association, agrees with the decisions made but the failure to calm the players cost him dearly.
It was right not to award a penalty for Mike Maignan’s challenge, as the goalkeeper got the ball first, and the second yellow for Pellegrini was inevitable. It was a clear holding on Pulisic and as the referee hadn’t blown the whistle, there was nothing else to do.
The other red cards were the result of tempers running high on the pitch, which is something that Di Bello should have avoided. In short, he will not be sidelined for the decisions made, but rather for his inability to take charge of the game.
