Milan’s 2-1 win away at Genoa did not calm Adrien Rabiot. The French midfielder reacted sharply to referee Massa’s decision not to send off defender Marcandalli, in an incident that has sparked numerous debates.
The episode occurred in the 50th minute of the match at “Marassi”, when Marcandalli stopped Rabiot with a tackle, around 60 metres from Genoa’s goal. The Frenchman claimed he was the last defender and called for a red card, but referee Massa decided to only book the defender with a yellow card.
The decision was also backed by former referee Gianpaolo Calvarese, who analysed the incident through social media. According to him, the referee had made the right decision, stressing that even if Massa had shown a red card, VAR would not have intervened to change the decision.
Calvarese explained that in such situations the referee must consider several elements: the distance from goal, the direction of the play, the possibility that the player could control or win the ball, as well as the position and number of opposing defenders.
The former referee’s reasoning did not convince the Milan midfielder at all. Rabiot reacted directly on social media, disputing Calvarese’s interpretation and using harsh language.
“In life and in football mistakes can happen, but you must know how to accept them. Lying constantly does not help you move forward. And it is Italian football that suffers the consequences. Think about it!”, the Frenchman wrote.