According to multiple reports in Italy, Spezia–Lazio referee and VAR Luca Pairetto and Luigi Nasca have been suspended until the end of the season following a late goal of Francesco Acerbi, who appeared to be in an offside position.
The Biancocelesti secured a key 4-3 win away at Spezia on Saturday thanks to a late winner of the Italy international. Acerbi seemed to be in an offside position, but a VAR review didn’t take place.
It sparked protests even from Roma boss José Mourinho who, the following day, criticised the referee’s decision which was favourable to their city rivals and direct competitors in the race for a Europa League spot.
Now, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport and ANSA, AIA – the Italian Association of referees – has decided to suspend both officials until the end of the season. Acerbi appeared to be offside and, even if he wasn’t, a VAR check should have taken place.
“Acerbi seems beyond Spezia’s last defender,” former Serie A referee Paolo Casarin told Radio Anch’Io lo Sport.
“I think that VAR should have checked before allowing the goal to stand.”
Fuorigioco #Acerbi, Pairetto-Nasca sospesi fino al termine della stagione https://t.co/NLpcVQ2YmP
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) May 2, 2022
Regardless of the call, isn’t every single goal supposed to be reviewed by VAR? I have always been against VAR and believe it is killing the game, but it is in the rules then why was it not followed?
@Rob B thats because the referee is clearly a Laziale, thus no need to check VAR, capiche?
@gordon: the referee is romanisti who waved every single foul by roma players
So Mourinho was right! So they are admitting it was a bad mistake. Wow shocker, just waiting for them to suspend the refs from the Roma game too.