Bologna-Milan, Pioli: ‘There were two penalties for us’. Thiago Motta: ‘If it’s a penalty against Rebic, we all go home’

He bites his tongue, because refereeing controversies are not in his nature and – it should be remembered – they are not part of the company “etiquette” (in fact, on the boiling Rossoneri social networks, many would have liked a strong position by the management ). Yes, Stefano Pioli bites his tongue but his expression perfectly illustrates the state of mind and anger over some decisions by referee Massa in the 1-1 draw between Bologna and Milan considered by the coach to be decisive for the result. “Episodes can determine the final result eh…”, syllables the Rossoneri coach with a fiery gaze in front of the cameras.

Dynamics

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The reference goes in particular to two moments: Soumaoro’s stomp on Rebic in the first half and Lucumi’s arm in the second half. “I reviewed everything and I can say that there were two penalties. On Lucumi’s handball, I wonder why all the fans, players and us on the bench saw the penalty. The dynamics tell you it’s a foul, then c “It’s the Var who can correct, but honestly it was a penalty. At least to whistle. The arm was not attached. I’m sorry that the referees didn’t play football, they know the regulation better than me anyway, but the hand was a penalty. The Var to call? If there had been, I would have asked for it, especially in the first half. Rebic was better than the defender at creating an advantage, and the defender not only took the ball but also his foot. Sorry, let’s go on”.

Astonishment

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On the Bologna bank the considerations are obviously poles apart. Thiago Motta appears with an almost astonished face at the refereeing questions: “The two penalties are absolutely not penalties. Lucumi can do nothing but touch the ball with his arm to keep his body balanced. Soumaoro on Rebic? If it is this is a penalty, let’s go down the street because this isn’t the game of football. The referee played a good game.” Concepts then reiterated even later: “Where should Lucumi have his hand? Otherwise we’ll ask the warehouse workers to make the shorts with pockets, so we’ll put them there… The ball slams first on his body, then on his hand. If the contact with Rebic is penalty, we can close the football notebook and let’s all go home”. And finally: “Bologna’s advantage is spoiled by a foul (protagonists Aebischer and Ballo-Touré, ed)? What foul? I’m sorry, I haven’t seen it.”