Antonio Damato, a member of the Italian Referees Association (CAN), addressed the controversial penalty decision in the Inter Milan vs Napoli match during an appearance on DAZN’s “Open VAR” program. Damato emphasized the importance of adhering to the VAR protocol while explaining the decision-making process behind the penalty call.
Damato stated that VAR is a crucial tool that has improved football, but it must be used within the established guidelines. He explained that VAR can only intervene in cases of clear and obvious errors made by the on-field referee. In the case of Anguissa’s contact on Thuram, Damato described it as “light” and below the standard for penalties they would like to see awarded. However, he maintained that it was not an invented penalty, as there was contact, which prevented VAR from intervening.
The CAN member further elaborated that the penalty was confirmed because the images documented the contact. He stressed that the decision was made by the match official, and the VAR protocol prohibited intervention, especially since the referee was in a favorable position to make the call. VAR could have only intervened if there had been no contact or if simulation had occurred.
Damato also revealed the conversation between the VAR and referee Mariani, where they confirmed the contact on the foot and the validity of the penalty decision. The VAR instructed the referee to recheck, noting that the defender never touched the ball and made contact with the attacker’s leg.
Additionally, Damato commented on a separate incident from the Udinese vs Atalanta match, where a penalty was not awarded. He acknowledged that both the on-field referee and VAR made an error in that case, suggesting that a more thorough review should have been conducted. Damato believed it should have been a penalty due to an arm being in an unnatural position, rather than being deemed accidental as initially judged.
