Gianluca Rocchi has reportedly blasted Maurizio Mariani for his erratic display in Saturday’s Serie A clash between Napoli and Inter Milan.
According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInter1908, Mariani’s dubious penalty call infuriated the Serie A referee designator.
Gianluca Rocchi is not a fan of ‘soft’ penalties, to say the least.
Indeed, the former Serie A referee has made it clear he doesn’t approve of awarding penalties for minimal or debatable contact.
However, Inter fell victim to another questionable decision.
Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot despite the contact being barely noticeable.
Gianluca Rocchi Blasts Maurizio Mariani After Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan Controversy
Marini refused to sanction Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s challenge on Giovanni Di Lorenzo inside Inter’s penalty area.
However, the 43-year-old had a change of heart after consulting with the VAR booth, ultimately overturning his initial decision.
Meanwhile, Napoli heavily benefited from that call, as Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring from the spot.
Furious with Mariani’s dubious decision, the Italian Referee Association has suspended Mariani and his assistant, Daniele Bindoni.
Something needs to be done about bad officiating by refs in the league. I saw the highlights of Napoli vs Inter, and I was shocked by the penalty call. Pisa’s second goal against Milan was allowed despite a clear foul on Gabbia. I don’t really understand what is happening, but, these mistakes are not acceptable. Serie A referees are always very careful when they officiate at European club competitions, but, when they come back to the league, they seem under pressure to satisfy some audience.