Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri was furious after the 2-0 defeat to Verona, both over a VAR call and the racist abuse aimed at Antoine Makoumbou. ‘Those in charge have got to do something.’
The Sardinians were in the game until Makoumbou received his second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men.
Moments later, Cyril Ngonge waltzed through the defence that was still adjusting to tactical changes and Milan Djuric sealed the result in stoppages.
“We went close to taking the lead many times, first hitting the woodwork, then with a goal that was disallowed for offside,” Ranieri told DAZN.
“The red card changed the inertia of the match.”
The VAR footage released showed that it was largely Edoardo Goldaniga’s arm that was offside, which prompted more Ranieri protests.
“I want some clarification here, because in the image we saw, his shoulder is offside. If you can legally score with an arm, then it is right to disallow it, otherwise it seems unfair.”
This is the second time that Makoumbou has been sent off this season, but his presence at the Stadio Bentegodi also brought back the ugly side of some Hellas Verona fans.
“I saw that Makoumbou risked a second yellow card when we went in for half-time, but I trusted him, otherwise I would’ve made a substitution. Naturally, I will show him the fouls that he made so he can learn from those moments.
“It was a pity to hear those chants against Makoumbou, which has unfortunately become an Italian habit. Those in charge have got to do something. It’s not possible that people are still insulting others over the colour of their skin.”
Forza Hellas , from Lazio.