Former referee on ‘total lack of concentration’ as it was ‘never a penalty’ against Milan

Until Franck Kessie was sent off, AC Milan completely dominated Atletico Madrid and looked to be heading for their first win in the Champions League this season. Indeed, there was some controversy involved in the defeat. 

Kessie was booked twice in the span of 14 minutes and many believe that it was a harsh decision. The former Italian referee, Mauro Bergonzi, said that it’s a decision that can be backed given Kessie’s clumsiness (read here).

In the same interview, that is with MilanNews, the referee was asked about the penalty that Atletico Madrid were awarded in stoppage time. As has been said already by the fans, it should never have been given.

“The episode of the penalty involves a total lack of concentration. It’s as if he can’t wait to finish the game. The players are very close together and the Milan defender doesn’t have the time to move his arm behind his back, There is no voluntariness, no voluntary act of handling the ball by Kalulu.

“That is never, never a penalty! And in addition to this, it’s evident that Lemar first touched the ball with his hand and this causes the ball to touch Kalulu’s arm. The images are very clear: I have no idea why he didn’t go to the monitor, why VAR didn’t call him back, why he didn’t change his mind,” he stated.

Milan will have to move on from what was a very tough evening as they will face Atalanta on Sunday evening. They want to continue their unbeaten run and in order to do that, they will have to be fully focused on the game.