Referee expert Cesari explains why Bologna’s winning goal should not have stood

Former referee Graziano Cesari believes that Bologna should have had their third goal chalked off during their win over AC Milan.

In a back-and-forth contest at San Siro, the away side got themselves back level at 2-2 after a free-kick was turned into his own net by Davide Bartesaghi. The turnaround was complete two minutes later, with the Rossoblu taking the lead.

Luka Modric believed he was fouled by Pobega in midfield but no whistle came. Cambiaghi found space down the left side of the box, spotted Mbangula, found him with a pass and the first touch was brilliant to create space before the finish for his second of the night.

Several incidents from the last two nights of action went under magnifying glass of the former referee. He underlined that the goal should not have been validated due to a previous foul by Pobega on Modric, and it would prove to be the winner in the eventual 4-2 scoreline.

“There’s a situation worth analysing surrounding Samuel Mbangula’s goal to make it 2-3: leaving aside the final part of the move, which was marvellous in its execution and finishing, with its control, feint, and shot that beat Mike Maignan,” he said (via MilanVibes).

“But in this situation, referee Juan Luca Sacchi was very close throughout the entire play and didn’t see a move by Tommaso Pobega, who – by letting the ball slip under his legs – immediately obstructed Modric and prevented him from continuing his progress. This situation, which occurred at the start of the goal, should clearly have led to a stoppage in play.”