Serie A Refereeing Expert Argues ‘Lazio Penalty Vs Inter Milan Correct – But Why Not The Same VAR In Lecce Match?’ | OneFootball

Serie A refereeing expert Graziano Cesari feels that the penalty for Lazio against Inter Milan was correct, but a double standard from a match against Lecce.

The former referee gave his thoughts on Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews. He was also highly critical of the refereeing of Daniele Chiffi.

Inter Milan conceded a penalty very late on in yesterday’s Serie A clash with Lazio.

And it was a very costly spot kick to give away indeed.

Pedro converted the penalty for the Biancocelesti, equalizing right at the end of the match.

Therefore, Inter failed to capitalize on a draw by Napoli in Parma.

There was little doubt that Nerazzurri defender Yann Bisseck had handled the ball. Whilst it didn’t necessarily look intentional, the German’s arm was away from his body, and moving towards the ball.

However, referee Daniele Chiffi did not spot the infringement in real time. Rather, the VAR told the official to have a second look at it on his monitor.

Cesari: “Lazio Penalty Vs Inter Correct, But Why Not The Same VAR In Lecce Match?”

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 5: Referee Daniele Chiffi gestures during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 5, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Former referee Graziano Cesari gave his thoughts on the incident. “Castellanos tries to pass the ball,” he said. “Bisseck’s arm starts out behind his back, and then goes towards the ball.”

He called it “an instinctive gesture.”

“But precisely these kinds of movements are punishable. The arm goes towards the ball and moves from its initial position.”

“Chiffi, looking at it back on the monitor, gives the penalty,” Cesari said. “And it’s correct, it’s undeniable.”

“But remember back to the match between Lecce and Inter,” he went on.

“A penalty wasn’t given for Baschirotto’s handball,” Cesari noted. “Neither Marinelli nor the VAR intervened.”

“They judged it differently. And it’s very difficult to understand how the referees and VAR are deciding these things.”