Cesari on Pongracic’s handball in Fiorentina v Inter: “In my view, it’s a penalty, but not for The Hague”

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Cesari on Pongracic’s handball in Fiorentina v Inter: “In my view, it’s a penalty, but not for The Hague”

Bergonzi agrees that the Fiorentina defender should be penalised for his challenge in the box.

Another controversial refereeing decision in the Italian Serie A, this time during Sunday evening’s late kick-off, which ended in a 1-1 draw between Inter and Fiorentina.

In the first half, with the score at 1-0 to the Nerazzurri, Dumfries crossed into the penalty area from the right flank, where Pio Esposito and Ranieri failed to get to the ball, which was then handled by Pongracic.

Referee Colombo let play continue, with Maresca and Massa at VAR not intervening.

MARELLI: “NOT A PENALTY”

PENALTY FOR CESARI AND BERGONZI

Former referee Graziano Cesari analyses the incident on Pressing on Canale 5: “In my view, it’s a penalty because the cross came from a distance, the defender’s arm was outstretched, and the ball would have reached Thuram. Yet you’ll see that the AIA (Italian Referees’ Association) will say it was the correct decision.”

Another former referee, Mauro Bergonzi, agrees on La Domenica Sportiva on Rai 2: “No replays of any kind were shown during the match. Pongracic strikes the ball with his right hand; he tends to spread his arm out to reach for the ball, so for me it warrants a penalty.”

Commentator Fabio Caressa remarked on Sky Calcio Club: “They’ve explained to us that what matters is where the ball goes. Here, if Pongracic doesn’t catch it with his arm, it goes to Thuram. What matters is whether the arm is extended or not; I’m just repeating what they tell us. But I don’t comment on it anymore because I don’t understand anything about handball offences anymore—it’s everything and the opposite of everything.”