The decision to rule out a goal by Hellas Verona’s Davide Faraoni during Inter’s 1-0 win this afternoon was the correct call, according to former referee Luca Marelli.
Full-back Faraoni looked to have equalised late in the game at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza as he challenged goalkeeper Samir Handanovic for a high ball, forcing the Inter captain into dropping it against him and into the net.
However, referee Rosario Abisso disallowed the goal for a push on Handanovic, and whilst appearing as a guest on Italian television programme Tutti Convocati earlier today, Marelli argued that it was the right decision.
“We must remove this myth that the goalkeeper cannot be touched in the penalty area,” Marelli declared.
“There was contact from Faraoni’s left arm which prevented the Inter goalkeeper from intervening. It was not wrong to disallow the goal in my opinion.”
Inter had taken the lead in the second half courtesy of substitute Matteo Darmian, and the victory sees Antonio Conte’s side move to within just six points of securing the Scudetto.
The Nerazzurri now turn their attention to bottom club Crotone, as they travel to the Stadio Ezio Scida on Saturday.
