Three reds but a clear one not given: Massa’s performance in Genoa-Milan branded a ‘disaster’

By: Oliver Fisher

Referee Davide Massa is being criticised for some of the decisions that he made during AC Milan’s win over Genoa.

In the 51st minute of the game at the Marassi there was a controversial incident that caused considerable tension, both on the pitch and on the bench. Marcandalli hauled down Adrien Rabiot when he appeared to have open field in front of him, causing many to expect a red.

However, Massa didn’t consider it a clear goal-scoring opportunity, even though Rabiot was completely alone and Alphadjo Cisse was unmarked to his left too, making it effectively a two-on-zero break.

The Rossoneri’s protests were intense, resulting in a yellow card and three red cards. Rabiot was booked, while Emanuel Ferro (technical assistant), Riccardo Negri (rehabilitation and biomechanics), and Stefano Mazzoni (medical director) were shown red cards. MilanNews branded it a disaster.

Errori Arbitrali wrote the following on X, after a game that Milan thankfully won 2-1 anyway: “The yellow card shown to Mercandalli is not so clear-cut, despite the considerable distance from goal.

“Rabiot’s control isn’t directed towards the outside. This year, Circular No.1 added the position of the attackers as a factor to consider, not just that of the defenders.

“Cisse in the middle has a clear run, with Genoa’s players unlikely to get back despite the great distance. With one touch, Rabiot can send him through on goal with no defender to help out.

“I can perhaps understand why VAR didn’t intervene because of the distance (Ostigard was probably judged to be closing in), but to me this challenge warrants a red card for DOGSO rather than a yellow for SPA.”

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