Andreazzoli rages at ‘rubbish’ VAR after Empoli’s loss against Milan

Empoli coach Aurelio Andreazzoli lost his cool during a post-match press conference following a 3-0 loss against Milan, saying that VAR is ‘rubbish’ and that rules have become too confusing.

The Azzurri coach faced the media at a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia after a home 3-0 defeat against Milan at the Stadio Castellani Computer Gross Arena.

The Rossoneri broke the deadlock after 11 minutes through Ruben Loftus-Cheek and doubled the lead from the spot with Olivier Giroud before the break. A Youssef Maleh handball caused the penalty kick. The Empoli midfielder raised his arm and touched the ball with his fingertip.

Milan were given a penalty kick following a VAR check, infuriating Andreazzoli.

“He touched the ball with the fingertip. Something like that affects the future of a team and a game! Come on! Did he touch it on purpose? Yes or no, the referee has to decide on that only.

“I am not talking about this game specifically; these things happened in other games too. I am not upset with the referees. I am backing the referees because they are involved in this fuc***g situation. Everyone’s talking about this fu*** VAR. Yesterday there were games, and all we heard on TV was VAR. It’s not the referees’ fault, they are involved in this rubbish situation. It’s time to make clear rules, this has become a joke.”

The Tuscan tactician was happy with his players’ performance anyway.

“I saw good commitment in the first and second half against a team with great quality. During the break, I told the guys to forget we were losing 2-0 and play to win the second half.

“What makes me angry is that we deserved to win in the second half, so we could get back in the game or even draw. On the contrary, we lost the second half too, with a goal from a player who converted his only chance with extreme quality. We cannot do the same, so I can just be satisfied with what we did today. Sometimes you need to be lucky as well.”

Is he talking about possible new signings with the club?

“Of course, we talk about it. Unfortunately, the market is open. Personally, I would cancel it because it’s annoying,” said Andreazzoli.

“We only scored 10 goals in these games, but we always say the same things, so we must look forward because it’s the only thing that can help us get to the end of the season. The club are in charge of the market. This is beyond my responsibility.”