Fans and pundits react to Italy’s ‘ghost’ goal scored by Raoul Bellanova against France, contributing to a 2-1 loss in the U21 EURO opener.
Bellanova’s header bounced off the inside of the far post and was cleared by Castello Lukeba after it had crossed the line, but referee Allard Lindhout and his assistant didn’t see it so Italy’s goal in the stoppages was not given.
Coach Paolo Nicolato ‘struggled’ to speak about the game after the final whistle and insisted that the refereeing “affected the result far too much.”
There were more complaints from the Azzurrini as Caleb Okoli was fouled in the build-up of France’s winner in the second half minutes after a clear handball inside Les Blues’ box was also not seen by the Dutch official.
Lindhout was not helped by the lack of VAR and goal-line technology, but Azzurri fans on Twitter were frustrated and felt “robbed” especially considering that Italy had effectively scored the equaliser in the stoppages.
Read more – U21 EURO: France 2-1 Italy Player Ratings – Tonali’s assist, Udogie and ref’s errors
it happens get over it, dont think var should be used in these u21 games, cost too much , france had a guy sent off – should have equalised then
Typical of France to cheat against Italy.
That’s the only way they can beat us.
It reminds me of the Penalty against Materazzi 2006 world cup final.Clearly a dive.
Mohammed.
Italy should have won that game 3-1 and you know it.
Italy was cheated of a win.No doubt about it.
The referee must be a distant cousin of moreno