Gazzetta dello Sport report how this past weekend in Serie A was marked by a wave of refereeing errors and controversies that reignited debates over the consistency and effectiveness of officiating. Matches such as Torino-Genoa, Empoli-Milan, and Como-Juventus were at the center of the storm, with critical mistakes leading to widespread criticism from players, coaches, and fans alike.
Key Incidents and Refereeing Issues
Torino-Genoa: The most glaring error came when referee Ermanno Feliciani failed to award a penalty for a clear shirt pull on Antonio Sanabria by Stefano Sabelli. The incident, described as visible “even from the moon,” was not penalized on the field nor corrected by VAR. Elenito Di Liberatore of the Referees Association admitted, “Not awarding the penalty was an error, both on the field and in the VAR room.”
Empoli-Milan: Referee Luca Pairetto faced criticism for his handling of several incidents. While his decision to avoid a red card for Cacace’s foul on Walker was deemed correct by officials, his overall performance was marred by confusion and missed calls. One significant issue involved an offside scenario that VAR could not rectify due to technical limitations.
Como-Juventus: A controversial handball by Federico Gatti was ruled unintentional, sparking debate over what constitutes a punishable offense. Di Liberatore defended the decision, stating, “Gatti was challenging for space, and the contact with his hand was fortuitous.”
Broader Concerns About Consistency
The inconsistencies in interpreting fouls, handballs, and penalty situations have left players and coaches frustrated. Torino’s sporting director Davide Vagnati expressed his anger after the Sanabria incident: “The referee can make mistakes on the field, but why not use technology that can help him?” Similarly, Torino president Urbano Cairo called the decision “incredible,” adding that less obvious penalties had been awarded in other matches.
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi also voiced his concerns after recent matches, stating, “I don’t understand the directives anymore. It’s already the fourth or fifth time this season that decisions have gone against us.” His sentiments were echoed by Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta, who criticized VAR for creating confusion among fans and players alike: “There’s no certainty in the rules anymore; everything feels contradictory.”
Calls for Improvement
The growing number of errors has put pressure on referees and their governing bodies as Serie A enters its decisive phase. With crucial battles for the Scudetto, European spots, and relegation looming, mistakes could have far-reaching consequences. Referee designator Gianluca Rocchi has emphasized two priorities: stricter punishment for violent conduct and awarding penalties only for clear infractions.
Despite these efforts, high-profile mistakes—such as those involving Feliciani and Pairetto—have led to their suspension for one match. This measure is seen as necessary to restore accountability but also highlights deeper issues within officiating.
