Walter Zenga delivered a brutal verdict on Felix Zwayer’s dubious penalty decision in Tuesday’s clash between Inter Milan and Liverpool.
Speaking to Corriere della Sport via FCInter1908, the legendary goalkeeper identified Liverpool’s penalty as ‘absurd.’
German referee Felix Zwayer and his VAR colleagues dropped the ball at San Siro two days ago.
Indeed, the refereeing team awarded Liverpool a phantom penalty in the dying moments of an intense Champions League game.
Furthermore, the fateful moment occurred in the 88th minute, leaving the Nerazzurri with little time to bounce back.
Though it was ultimately Zwayer’s call, it was VAR official Soren Storks, whose intervention led to the controversial penalty.
He found Alessandro Bastoni’s contact with Florian Wirtz to be an excessive use of force, even though it lasted for a millisecond.
Therefore, he urged Zwayer to review the incident, presenting him with inconclusive footage of the play.
A series of unfortunate events resulted in Inter’s second consecutive Champions League loss.
Walter Zenga Delivers Verdict on Controversial Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool Penalty
“Bastoni’s only mistake was letting him go at a certain moment,” Zenga said. “But the referee’s decision remains completely illogical.
“I don’t know how match officials train or what they think when they have to judge at the monitor, but it’s serious not to grasp certain dynamics.
“I would sometimes take them to train with the teams and let them play a few matches to understand certain things.
“You can’t expect defenders in the box to behave like foosball figures.
“It’s normal that there’s contact, that players might hold onto each other’s shirts.
“How can it be determined as a penalty a pull for which someone falls five seconds later?”
Zwayer’s decision could cost Inter in the long run, as they now face a daunting task of securing a sought-after top-eight finish.
It was a penalty.
It was a soft PK which would never be given in the PL. equally true though that the ‘handball’ goal cancelled would have stood in the PL. Ball touched the upper arm of Liverpool player (not Konate’s who actually scored) from a deflection off another Liverpool player… zero intention, zero advantage created or unusual arm position. Valid goal.
As to the shirt pulling, while this one was indeed very soft, generally something has to be done to eliminate the ridiculous shirt tugging and wrestling in the box. No, Zenga, there is actually no need for any player to hold or pull shirts! None.
Keep crying Inter. it was a clear penalty. It wasn’t as a result of ‘contact’, it was as a result of a shirt pulling. Blame Bastoni, instead of complaining about a correct decision