Marash Kumbulla was shown red after lashing out at Domenico Berardi, gifting Sassuolo a penalty in their clash with Roma.
The 23-year-old Albanian centre back has struggled to break into Jose Mourinho’s squad this season, making just five Serie A appearances prior to the match with the Neroverdi on Sunday evening.
Kumbulla was sent off in the dying minutes of the first half of Roma’s tough clash with Sassuolo, having lashed out at Berardi following a collision in the box.
The incident frustrated many Giallorossi supporters, who pointed out that the Neroverdi winger had seemingly flicked his boot into the defender before being kicked in return.
Referee Luca Marelli explained to DAZN both why Kumbulla was sent off and why Sassuolo were awarded a penalty as a result of the incident.
“It is your classic example of violent conduct. It was a kick to an opponent with the ball in play, so if the ball is still in play, then there can be both technical and disciplinary action.
“The ball was in Rui Patricio’s arms, but the referee had not blown the whistle to stop play. VAR therefore called the referee back for the on-field review, as the kick was very, very obvious.”
The naïve kick from Kumbulla will see him miss the upcoming Derby della Capitale and will have done nothing to convince Mourinho to give him more minutes on the pitch.
Thats not an explanation, ball is not in play if its in the keepers arms!