Open VAR confirm that Milan-Fiorentina penalty decision was incorrect: "A definite clampdown"

"In this case, Marinelli had evaluated the situation correctly on the field, and when the intensity is so small, the referee should be allowed to make that evaluation himself. With the threshold for penalties that Gianluca Rocchi is setting for this season, we would not give this as a penalty. If the referee had the sensation on the field that it was sufficient for a penalty, VAR would not have intervened to have it removed. Either way, this was a decision that was down to the referee."

"Gimenez does make a meal of that, and we've seen a lot of this attitude from players this season, who, when they feel a slight touch, pretend they suffered a violent impact. Rocchi was very clear on this, and the commission is studying how we can punish situations like this, because there has to be respect on the field. This kind of behaviour needs to be eliminated from the game. You will see a definite clampdown on similar situations from next weekend."

Referees confirmed the penalty awarded to AC Milan against Fiorentina was incorrect. Marinelli evaluated the contact on the field and low-intensity incidents should be left to the referee's judgment without VAR overturns. The season's penalty threshold would not regard that contact as a penalty. Gimenez exaggerated the impact, reflecting a growing trend of players feigning heavier collisions after slight touches. The refereeing commission will study sanctions for simulation and emphasised respect on the field. A definite clampdown on similar behaviour is planned to start next weekend. The wrong decision remains a prominent talking point given potential consequences.

Read at SempreMilan