GdS: Milan’s AIA call ‘ineffective’ – why there is further anger about officiating

AC Milan have been left angered by officiating for the second time in just a few days, this time following the shock defeat to Parma.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport write, Milan’s polite call to the AIA was ‘ineffective’. In fact, the effect was the opposite of what was hoped for. After the Como draw, the Rossoneri left San Siro bitter about Van der Brempt’s nasty foul on Pavlovic and the failure to send off Fabregas for holding Saelemaekers.

Last night the anger of the management was even greater. They didn’t speak out in front of TV cameras, but they were clearly annoyed. The most shocking incident was when Corvi came out and punched Loftus-Cheek, who had run into the box following a Saelemaekers cross.

The Parma goalkeeper didn’t get the ball, which was headed clear by Valeri – as Milan pointed out – but only caught his opponent. In fact, it caused him an injury so bad that he has had to undergo surgery this morning, and his season could be over.

Milan furious (again)

Both immediately after the match and at half-time, the players, and indeed many AC Milan players in general, protested the referee’s interpretation of the play. His explanation was that it was a collision, with both players going for the ball.

Milan’s assessment differed, with the bitter realisation that the penalty, if awarded and converted, would have changed the course of the match. Then, there was the goal that eventually did decide the game.

In the eyes of the club, Maignan was hindered by a block from Valenti, who wasn’t there by chance or because he was pushed by an opponent. According to Milan, the Parma defender wanted to disturb the goalkeeper to keep him from coming off his line, as Piccinini’s assessment initially agreed with.

However, the intervention of VAR changed his mind and, according to Milan’s hierarchy, forced him to make a mistake. Itt wasn’t a clear error and wasn’t a situation requiring an on-field review in their eyes, as most experts agree.

There were arguably two fouls on the play: Troilo also towered over Bartesaghi, placing both hands on his shoulders/back of the next. Milan’s goal against Sassuolo, scored by Pulisic, had been disallowed because Loftus-Cheek had placed his hands on Candé.

The AIA believe Crezzini’s decision not to validate the goal was a mistake in that instance, so it would have been 3-1 and three points instead of a 2-2 draw (barring a late collapse of course). With such pivotal incidents over the course of four days, Milan feel like the title race is done.