Ex-Serie A Referee Mauro Bergonzini: “Challenge In Buildup To AC Milan’s Derby Equalizer Vs Inter A Discretionary Decision Not For VAR”

Former Serie A referee Mauro Bergonzini feels that there was no reason for VAR to intervene on the possible foul in the buildup to AC Milan’s equalizer in the Milan derby.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster TMW Radio, Bergonzini emphasized that the decision was only the referee’s to make, and not within the score of VAR.

Olivier Giroud won the ball off of former Arsenal teammate Alexis Sanchez to set the Rossoneri off on the quick move that led to the chance that Giroud himself finished for the equalizer.

However, the Frenchman’s challenge was very physical and led to Sanchez being knocked to the ground, with the Nerazzurri immediately appealing for a foul.

Bergonzini feels that there was a strong case that the challenge by the Milan striker had been a foul, but also didn’t feel that VAR should have corrected on-pitch official Marco Guida’s initial decision at any rate.

“We’re dealing with a discretionary decision that doesn’t fall within the scope of VAR,” he said of the incident. “I would have whistled for a foul, as I thought it was a robust enough challenge to go beyond the threshold.”