Lecce President Saverio Sticchi Damiani took matters into his own hands to protest two potential penalties in the 1-1 draw with Monza. ‘I feel embarrassed, I don’t know what to tell the fans or the players.’

Monza had taken the lead through a Stefano Sensi free kick, cancelled out by substitute Joan Gonzalez at the Stadio Via del Mare.

There were strong protests in the second half for two handball incidents, neither of which warranted a VAR on-field review.

DAZN refereeing expert and former official Luca Marelli said the first on Salvatore Molina was debatable, but there was no excuse for ignoring the Pablo Mari intervention, “as he not only increased the volume of his body with his arm, but purposefully goes towards the ball.”

Nonetheless, this too was ignored by those in the VAR booth.

Rather than coach Marco Baroni, Lecce President Sticchi Damiani went to the press conference and television interviews.

“These were two blatant incidents where the referee really needed the help of VAR, in a game we deserved to win,” the patron told DAZN.

“Seeing as we were relegated two years ago, we punish those who criticise or disrespect the referee, but today we really don’t know what to say. I feel embarrassed, I don’t know what to tell the fans or the players. I just can’t take them for a ride by telling them this is fine.

“Lecce have been seriously damaged by this, we dominated the match and fully deserved to win, but we were not allowed to. We try to find justification in ambiguous situations, but it’s hard in this case.”

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