Italian media have branded the challenge by AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud on Inter’s Alexis Sanchez in the buildup to the Rossoneri’s equalizing goal in yesterday’s derby to be a foul.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport argue that the physical challenge by the Rossoneri striker should have been whistled as a foul, though they also point out that there was little scope for VAR to intervene.
Giroud rushed in to win the ball off of Sanchez as the Chilean tried to retain possession in a tight space, and his efforts meant that the ball broke Milan’s way, and the Frenchman was on hand to finish the chance at the end of the move.
In the view of the Gazzetta, however, the striker’s challenge was overly aggressive and referee Marco Guida ought to have whistled it, although there was no reason for VAR to reverse it after he had decided to wave play on.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta also argue that Theo Hernandez should have received a yellow card for an arm to the face of Nicolo Barella in the 42nd minute, while Guida didn’t even spot a foul in the incident.
Lastly, the Gazetta argue that it was correct not to award a penalty for the possible handball by Alessandro Bastoni in Inter’s area in the 19th minute, as there had been no deliberate movement by the defender whose arm was in a normal position by his side.
