Former referee Marelli criticises decisions in Verona 1-1 Juventus

Former referee Luca Marelli has hit out at the controversial refereeing decisions in Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Verona this evening.

Verona equalised from the penalty spot after Francisco Conceicao’s opener, with an albeit soft penalty given for a handball from Juventus wing back Joao Mario.

It was a harsh penalty and one which many, including Juventus head coach Igor Tudor, felt should not have been given.

Speaking to DAZN about the penalty incident, with quotes via TuttoJuve, Marelli said “The penalty was awarded after a VAR review for a touch by Joao Mario’s arm.”

“The magnifying glass shows us Joao Mario’s attitude, he closes his eyes and the ball suddenly drops,” he continued, “I disagree with the decision: it was an unexpected ball and shouldn’t be punishable. He can’t know where the ball went.”

Marelli slams lack of red card for Orban in Verona 1-1 Juventus

Verona goalscorer Gift Orban was also the centre of another controversy, when he made contact with an elbow to the face of Bianconeri defender Federico Gatti.

On this incident, Marelli said “The challenge is open to debate. Rapuano called for a yellow but VAR didn’t call it back.”

“Orban isn’t look at the ball,” Marelli continued, “it looks like he’s aiming at his head. The blow wasn’t direct but also touched the shoulder, the correct decision would have been a red card.”

Finally, the former referee concluded “The yellow is a discount on the punishment he deserved. VAR might not have intervened to assess whether the player goes with a closed fist or an open hand: in case of the former, it’s considered violent conduct.”

A tired Juventus limped over the line and were only spared their blushes by a VAR call in their favour, when a second-half goal for the hosts was disallowed due to an offside.