Penalties for AC Milan in Bologna? The controversies of Pioli and Thiago Motta- Corriere.it

Q&A between Stefano Pioli and Thiago Motta at the end of the draw between Milan and Bologna at the Dall’Ara. When he introduces himself to the microphones, the expression of the Rossoneri coach perfectly illustrates the state of mind and the anger at some of the decisions of the referee Massa. “The episodes can determine the final result eh…” Pioli said in front of the cameras. Two disputed episodes: Soumaoro’s stomp on Rebic in the first half and Lucumi’s arm in the second half. «I reviewed everything and I can say that there were two penalties. On Lucumi’s hand ball, I wonder why all the fans, players and us on the bench saw the penalty. The dynamic tells you it’s a foul, then there’s the Var who can correct it, but honestly it was a penalty. At least to whistle. His arm was unattached. I’m sorry the referees didn’t play football, they know the rules better than me anyway, but the hand was a penalty. The Var on call? If there had been I would have asked for it, especially in the first half. Rebic was better than the defender at creating an advantage and the defender not only grabbed the ball but also his foot. We’re sorry, let’s go on,” Pioli added.

Thiago Motta thinks differently: “The two penalties are absolutely not penalties. Lucumi can’t help but touch the ball with his arm to keep his body balanced. Soumaoro on Rebic? If this is a penalty, let’s go down the street because this is not the game of football. The referee had a good game. Otherwise we’ll ask the warehouse workers to make the shorts with pockets, so we’ll get our hands on that. The ball hits his body first, then his hand. If the contact on Rebic is a penalty, we can close the football book and we all go home”. And to those who ask him about the advantage of him, spoiled by Aebischer’s foul at Ballo-Touré, Thiago Motta concluded: «What foul? I’m sorry, I haven’t seen it.’

Florenzi took care of giving Pioli a hand: «There is a clear penalty on Rebic. I don’t know why they didn’t boo it. Lucumi’s handball could be there. The first is really clear to see, even compared to the second».