Referee Giuseppe Collu was praised for his handling of a late VAR incident in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Lazio, which saw two red cards and a complex explanation.
According to a report from Football Italia, the closing moments of the AC Milan 1-0 victory over Lazio descended into utter “chaos in stoppages,” featuring two red cards and a controversial VAR On-Field Review (OFR).
With Milan holding onto their 1-0 lead, secured by a Rafael Leão goal, Lazio’s Alessio Romagnoli’s volley struck Strahinja Pavlovic on the elbow from close proximity. Referee Giuseppe Collu initially waved play on, believing Pavlovic’s arm was in a “natural position.”
The situation escalated when the VAR recommended an OFR. This development “sparked chaos” on the touchline, leading to the immediate dismissals of Milan coach Max Allegri and Lazio assistant manager Marco Ianni for dissent—even before Collu had reached the monitor for review.
Upon completing his review, Collu utilized the technology that allows referees to explain their decisions in real time, delivering a verdict that surprised both teams:
“Having evaluated the footage, the Milan defender wearing Number 31’s arm is outside the silhouette, but before that, he is fouled by the Lazio Number 77, Marusic.”
The ruling, which upheld the original non-penalty decision based on a pre-existing foul, prompted Sky Sport Italia pundits to declare Collu “a genius.”
They noted that he “allowed the VAR to save face for that absurd call, but also ensured justice was maintained by not giving what would’ve been a ridiculous penalty.”
The decision caused a dramatic shift in emotion for the Lazio players, who were initially “smiling” at the mention of the handball, only to be “crestfallen” when the foul was explained.