Ex Serie A Referee On Yann Bisseck Controversial Penalty In Inter Milan 2-2 Lazio Draw: “VAR Shouldn’t Have Intervened” | OneFootball

Former Serie A referee Gianpaolo Calvarese delivered his verdict on scandalous VAR calls during Inter Milan’s controversial draw against Lazio.

Calvarese took to social media to offer his view on the incidents that led to a fatal 2-2 draw last Sunday, via FCInterNews.

Referee Daniele Chiffi probably deprived the Nerazzurri of their final chance to close a one-point gap to leaders Napoli.

Indeed, his decision helped Lazio get both goals at San Siro, handing Antonio Conte’s team a crucial title boost.

Chiffi decided Pedro’s 72nd-minute equalizer was legit, even though Boulaye Dia was miles offside in the build-up.

However, the hammer blow was yet to come.

Denzel Dumfries restored Inter’s lead, only to see his effort go in vain thanks to another dubious VAR call.

Though Chiffi waved play on despite Lazio’s penalty appeals, he eventually penalized Yann Bisseck’s handball.

After reviewing the incident with VAR, he changed his decision, giving Lazio a pivotal 90th-minute penalty.

Unfortunately, there was no way back for Inter this time.

Gianpaolo Calvarese Delivers Verdict on VAR Controversy in Inter Milan vs Lazio Draw

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 5: Referee Daniele Chiffi gestures during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 5, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“A difficult, borderline incident,” Calvarese said. “There are elements suggesting it is punishable and others suggesting it isn’t.

“For that reason alone, in my view, it’s not a VAR case.

“If we look at the still image, Bisseck’s arm is close to his body, which would lean toward non-punishability,” Calvarese continued.

“However, the arm does make an extra movement toward the ball.

“It’s that dynamic that led VAR official Di Paolo to call Chiffi to the monitor.

“That said, in this season, similar incidents haven’t triggered a VAR review – like Baschirotto’s in Lecce-Inter.”

Finally, Calverese shared his thoughts about appointing Marco Guida as an assistant referee in the VAR booth.

“Another reason behind Inter’s media silence is the appointment of Guida,” he added.

“In my view, it was a somewhat risky choice. For the sake of balance, other referees could have been selected.

“I was convinced that any debatable episode would be used for political point-scoring by both sides.”