Although Juventus executives won’t admit it publicly, Tuttosport claims that the club is upset about some ‘incoherent’ decisions from referees and VAR in the last two games.
Adrien Rabiot saw a goal disallowed for handball in Juventus’ 2-1 win over Cagliari on Saturday night. The France international deflected a shot from Luca Pellegrini, but the potential equaliser was disallowed for a handball spotted after a VAR check.
The new handball rule approved for 2021-22 specifies that ‘If an attacking player’s accidental handball immediately precedes another player scoring, the goal will now be awarded.’ On paper, the referee’s decision was correct, although, watching the replay, it remains unclear whether Rabiot touched the ball with his arm, his shoulder or with another part of his body.
Watch: Juventus fans’ rage over penalty kick denied against Inter
The videos didn’t prove precisely that there had been a clear and obvious mistake from the referee, which is the same reason why the Bianconeri were not awarded a penalty kick against Inter last week for a foul of Alessandro Bastoni on Denis Zakaria.
Rabiot took to social media to complain after the match against Inter and following Juventus’ win over Cagliari on Saturday. “I am still trying to understand…” the France midfielder wrote, posting a screenshot of his supposed handball in Sardinia.
Juventus haven’t complained publicly, and according to Tuttosport newspaper, they want ‘no excuses’ for players. However, there is a feeling that the last two VAR checks led to very different conclusions, both harmful for the Old Lady. A VAR check has taken place eight times during Juventus games this season. No other Serie A club has more this term.
