‘Serious error’ – Pairetto and VAR team criticised for major errors in Empoli-Milan | OneFootball

AC Milan got the three points against Empoli last night and that is what matters most, but the officiating during the game has raised some doubts.

The X account Errori Arbitrali has taken a look at each of the key incidents that Luca Pairetto and the VAR team had to make during the game, including the two red cards that were awarded in the second half.

The first talking point is in the first half though when Cacace went with his studs into Kyle Walker and was not even given a yellow card for it. The account speaks of a ‘serious error’ by the referee, who was in a good spot to see it.

“Late intervention, exposed studs and high point of contact (in addition to the fact that the ball had already been released and therefore there was no possibility of intervening on the ball) are elements that support the red card for disproportionate force in my opinion,” the tweet reads.

Then there is the red card on Fikayo Tomori for a second yellow card after fouling Lorenzo Colombo on the break. The issue with this is that Colombo looks to be in an offside position, with the linesman not level with the last man which alters his perception.

Tomori goes in hard and does not get the ball so it is a yellow card under normal circumstances, yet the fact play has even been allowed to get that far is another error from the officiating crew. Due to the fact it was only a yellow card, the VAR team could not intervene.

Finally, there was the Marianucci-Gimenez incident. As the ball comes towards them Santiago Gimenez outstretches a hand into the chest/neck of the defender, causing both to fall over. While getting up, the Italian kicks out at the Mexican, leaving no choice after VAR intervention.