A.C. Milan-Lazio, social media on edge after penalty shootout chaos
Saturday night’s big match between AC Milan and Lazio was marked by a chaotic and protest-filled ending. In the last minutes of the match, the VAR called the referee back for an alleged hand foul by Strahinja Pavlović on Alessio Romagnoli’s close touch, the referee went to the monitor but on the way he crossed paths with a furious Massimiliano Allegri. The AC Milan coach addressed some unkind words to the referee and received a red card, then before leaving the field for good he had a heated argument with a member of Maurizio Sarri’s staff, which fortunately, however, was immediately resolved.
After a lengthy consultation at the monitor, the referee returned to the midfield circle to announce his decision. Mr. Giuseppe Collu confirmed Pavlović’s hand foul but decided not to punish him with the penalty since the Serbian defender was pushed by Adam Marušić before the controversial elbow touch. Lazio players obviously didn’t lose it well, they surrounded the referee in a desperate attempt to change his mind but failed in their intent and had to resign.
Social media were immediately inflamed and the issue of Pavlović’s foul went viral in no time. The Lazio users found the ready support of the Interisti, always ready to take sides against their bitter cousins from Milan. “Something never seen before, the defender clearly takes it by the elbow but despite VAR, the’referee does not give the penalty: what is the point of reviewing the actions? ” wondered a user of the Nerazzurri faith. Milanists, of course, defend Pavlović to the hilt: “It is not his fault if he is held back by Marusic” attempted to explain another user whose nickname unquestionably recalls Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri’s lineup only needed Rafael Leão’s goal to earn 3 very important points and enjoy first place alone at least until Sunday night, when Roma and Napoli will play each other at the Stadio Olimpico. The Diavolo is first on 28 points, the result of 8 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss (remedied on August 23 against Cremonese). Behind the Rossoneri is Roma on 27 points, then Napoli on 25. Inter, Bologna and Como are at 24, one point more than seventh-ranked Juventus. As for the scorers’ standings, there are Hakan Calhanoglu, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão, Riccardo Orsolini and Nico Paz on 5.
