Vieira: ‘Penalty difficult to accept’ after last gasp defeat to Bologna

Coach Patrick Vieira found the controversial last-gasp Bologna penalty ‘difficult to accept’ when it doomed Genoa to defeat, and was sent off for dissent.

The Grifone had taken the lead at the Stadio Dall’Ara through Mikael Ellertsson’s scorching finish at the near post, but Santiago Castro equalised with a moment of magic flicking into the far bottom corner.

It had seemed to be heading for a 1-1 draw until deep into added time, when the referee assigned a penalty for Valentin Carboni’s handling offence after a lengthy VAR review.

Vieira and Genoa furious at Bologna penalty

“I am disappointed not to bring points home, because we played with courage against a good Bologna side, maintaining organisation and balance,” Vieira told DAZN Italia.

“I saw determination and enthusiasm, so I am pleased with the performance in a difficult arena. Ellertsson has a lot of energy, he always manages to get himself into the right places. He can play on either flank, also as a left-back, he’s doing really well.”

There was a lot of tension in the final moments of the match when that penalty was awarded, as a corner was headed down onto the arm of Valentin Carboni.

In speaking to the crowd, the referee explained there was “an extra movement” of the arm towards the ball.

“I think it’s a natural enough movement, so this makes it difficult to accept,” replied Vieira.

“We played the game we wanted to, so that means we’ve got to keep this work going and improve on the details. It’s difficult to accept this refereeing decision, but then this is football.”

Vieira’s Genoa are still looking for their first Serie A win of the season after draws with Lecce and Como, then slender defeats to Juventus and Bologna.

They did win in the Coppa Italia, sweeping Vicenza aside 3-0 in August.