Former Serie A referee Paolo Casarin believes Juventus-Roma broke down as a result of Gianluca Rocchi’s decision on Douglas Maicon’s handball.
Former Serie A referee Paolo Casarin believes Juventus-Roma broke down as a result of Gianluca Rocchi’s decision on Douglas Maicon’s handball.
The Brazilian blocked an Andrea Pirlo free-kick with his arm during the first-half of Week 6’s key clash and after an unclear moment when a free-kick had first been awarded, the referee instead pointed to the spot.
It was one of a number of points of debate post-match that has divided the clubs and opinion the same.
For one former League and World Cup referee, the responsibility for the direction the game took lies with the official, Gianluca Rocchi.
“Yesterday not even the replays would have given an instant and reliable answer,” Casarin has reflected to Radio Uno today.
“Juventus-Roma has been a game that has been truly difficult for the referee and his assistants.
“The big mistake was the penalty against Maicon. The elbow can defend the face and that is what the Brazilian did, and then if he hit the ball in or out of the penalty area is difficult to understand.
“Rocchi awarded, it seemed, at first a free-kick on the edge, that was the solution, albeit imperfect, but then who or what influenced him? Protests, his assistants or his own insecurity?
“There needed to be an immediate decision, clear, and instead came out a real mess. Rocchi has changed his mind, he awarded the penalty kick. The game broke down from that point.”