Inter CEO Beppe Marotta discussed the Nerazzurri’s 2-2 draw against Parma, the usage of VAR and Italian referring in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia after the game.
“The coach will talk about the game. This is not to seek an excuse, because that is not our style, and if you don’t put the ball in the net, you risk losing or drawing.
“Having said that, it is our duty also to protest at the refereeing decisions. This is our only venue for protesting, as we have no other way of making our voices heard.”
He commented on how the Milanese club deserved a penalty in their draw against the Gialloblu.
“We realise VAR only intervenes with a clear and obvious error, but today there was a clear and obvious penalty. So, either the referee pays closer attention or VAR must be used.
“If VAR is only partially used, then that damages everyone and creates a sense of inequality. After six games, it is only right to make this comment.”
The former Juventus executive touched on how VAR should be used when situations are unclear, and how Inter also deserved a penalty against Benevento earlier this season.
“Everyone in football is in support of technology, which must limit errors, nobody thinks it can eliminate them entirely. However, when there are incidents like this, they ought to be clarified and technology used to evaluate it.
“We acknowledge the referee was not meant to be the referee today, as he was forced into it by Luca Pairetto’s injury. Piccinini also didn’t award another clear penalty for Inter against Benevento.”
Marotta highlighted how he would have the same complaints even if Inter had beaten Parma today.
“I am not here to complain, I am here to request that the rules are followed, as it is only right that the referees are also called to be more careful seeing as coaches and directors are often called to stick to the rules too.
“I want to make very clear that I would have intervened to say all of this even if we had won the game, it is not an excuse for the result.”
Marotta touched on how meetings between referees and clubs could be a positive thing that should be scheduled more often.
“The communication between referees and clubs ought to happen more often. I am not accusing anyone, I simply believe if there were more occasions to discuss these situations and share views, there would be less tension and in turn would make life easier for the referees.
“So far this season, we have not had a genuine meeting.”
“We’re going through a difficult period, there’s no rest and a lot of psycho-physical burden. The season is long, to have gotten back into this match is a positive.
“We need to have maximum serenity, having drawn is of great significance even if I hadn’t signed up to this result before the match.”
Inter’s draw means that they stay fifth in the table after six games, sitting on 10 points. Antonio Conte’s side are at risk of dropping further down the table, depending on the results tomorrow.
Juventus are two points behind the Nerazzurri currently.
