VAR Disappeared and Penalty Denied to Torino: *La Gazzetta* Sparks Controversy

Controversy erupts over the penalty kick denied to Torino in the 72nd minute of the match in Bologna, which ended 1-1. In the 83rd minute, Oristanio entered the box, was stopped by Heggem, and went down. Referee Guida let play continue despite the protests, and the VAR team—led by Santoro with Camplone as AVAR—decided not to intervene, as has now become standard practice under Orsato’s new guidelines.

But the doubts are obvious: the replays clearly show Heggem’s leg making contact with the area of Oristanio’s supporting leg, after which he falls to the ground. “The video review should have been called for, at the very least, to thoroughly examine the play,” argues *La Gazzetta dello Sport*.

“Heggem moved Oristanio’s foot; it was a penalty kick. Guida may have been ‘misled’ by the fact that Oristanio planted his foot and went down afterward, but that right leg of the Torino forward was simply and clearly moved. Dynamic consequences. But nothing. Silence,” continues *La Gazzetta dello Sport*. “Fast-paced soccer is fine, but…”.

Torino coach Ignazio Abate complained after the game: “I won’t comment on it because it speaks for itself.”