Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu ought to have been given a red card during the 2-1 win over Cremonese in Serie A.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere dello Sport, referee Maurizio Mariani showed weakness in failing to dismiss the Turkey international for dissent in the first half, after being booked for a tackle on Emanuele Valeri.
The tackle was considered worthy of a yellow card, but Calhanoglu then threw the ball away in protest at the decision and should have received a second booking for his reaction.
Mariani was criticised by the newspaper on account of the fact that he is an international referee in UEFA’s Category 1 status, with the vast experience of 130 games in Serie A, but did not take charge of the situation.
Meanwhile, the official’s decision not to award Inter a penalty for a second half challenge on Edin Dzeko by Vlad Chiriches was deemed to be acceptable, although it was suggested that had he awarded the spot kick, VAR would not have intervened.