Referee Lambasted For Penalty Decision On ‘Karate Kick’ In Inter Milan 3-1 Serie A Clash | OneFootball

Referee Ermano Feliciani is under fire for failing to award Inter Milan a penalty for a “karate kick” by Empoli’s Ardian Ismajli on Lautaro Martinez.

Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, argue that the incident was a clear foul. They also don’t spare VAR Marco Guida for his role in the decision.

Inter felt that they should have had a penalty early on in yesterday’s Serie A clash with Empoli.

Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez had been attempting to control a floated ball into the box, amid a mass of Empoli defenders.

One defender in particular, Ardian Ismajli, made a last-ditch attempt to win the ball ahead of Martinez.

However, the Albanian’s challenge was very late. He made no contact with the ball, but got plenty of Martinez’s shin.

Feliciani Under Fire For Ismajli – Lautaro Penalty Decision – “Karate Kick”

In the view of the Corriere, Ismajli’s challenge was nothing less than a “karate kick.”

The former Spezia defender threw himself at Martinez, and clattered into the Inter captain.

Referee Feliciani evidently did not see the incident as a foul in the penalty area.

And surprisingly, VAR Guida did not advise the referee to have another look at it.

But in the view of the Corriere, there was little justification.

Ismajli’s challenge was wild and out-of-control, and certainly a sore one for Martinez. Feliciani certainly should have pointed to the spot, the newspaper argues.