Milan earned a slim however very important 1-0 victory over Bologna at San Siro final weekend, however the outcome was overshadowed by controversy as referee Matteo Marcenaro overturned a vital penalty determination late within the match — and Christian Pulisic voiced his frustration with a cryptic two-word message.
Coming off the worldwide break, Milan knew they wanted to maintain momentum on their facet. Massimiliano Allegri’s males had bounced again strongly after a shock opening-day defeat to Cremonese, they usually have been decided to indicate the San Siro devoted that the resurgence was actual.
The match itself was a cagey affair, with each side cautious and measured. However within the sixtieth minute, Luka Modric produced the second of high quality that separated the 2 groups. The Croatian midfielder coolly slotted dwelling from simply exterior the field, a end that mirrored his trademark composure and intelligence on the ball. The actual drama, nonetheless, got here within the closing phases of the sport. Milan was awarded a penalty after Christopher Nkunku was fouled contained in the field — just for VAR to intervene and overturn the choice. The reversal left gamers, employees, and followers fuming.
Even FIGC president Gabriele Gravina later admitted {that a} critical error had been made, telling Radio Anch’io Sport: “That is an apparent mistake. However once we speak about expertise, we’re transferring ahead, not going again to the previous. Expertise has considerably diminished the share of errors.”
Allegri, who had been visibly animated on the touchline, was despatched off after expressing his anger on the determination. The dismissal means he’ll miss Milan’s subsequent match on the sidelines — an extra blow for the Rossoneri.
What did Pulisic say?
Among the many gamers to specific frustration was Christian Pulisic. The USMNT captain, who entered the sport as a second-half substitute, was vigorous from the second he got here on. He created two harmful possibilities — establishing Santiago Gimenez, who hit the put up, and taking part in in Nkunku for the transfer that led to the overturned penalty.
However Pulisic additionally felt he had a declare of his personal. After nutmegging the opponent’s defender contained in the field, he seemed to be dragged down. Neither the referee nor VAR thought-about it a foul.
The subsequent day, Pulisic took to Instagram to share a video clip of the incident — and that is the place the thriller got here in. The Milan star captioned the clip with simply two phrases: “Ayee Refff”, adopted by a laughing emoji. It was a playful however pointed jab on the referee’s determination to not award him a spot-kick
