VAR Bails Out Referee Matteo Marchetti In Two Key Decisions In Empoli Vs Inter Milan Serie A Clash

VAR spared the blushes of referee Matteo Marchetti in the two most important decisions in yesterday’s Serie A clash between Empoli and Inter Milan.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They highlight how the technology was useful in rendering two fairly uncontroversial decisions Marchetti had missed.

VAR intervened twice during the course of yesterday’s Serie A outing at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

The first instance was to rule out what had looked to be Inter’s opening goal.

The ball had broken to Inter wingback Matteo Darmian. The former Manchester United and Parma veteran carried the ball into the box and slotted past Empoli keeper Devis Vazquez.

But there had looked to be a big hint of handball in the way that Darmian controlled the ball.

Moreover, Darmian’s celebration seemed a bit sheepish and muted.

The VAR examined the incident and determined that the 34-year-old had indeed touched the ball with his wrist. Therefore, the goal was swiftly ruled out.

Marchetti Bailed Out By VAR In Empoli Vs Inter In Red Card Incident

The second time that Marchetti took advance from the video assistant was on a red card incident.

Empoli defender Saba Goglichidze had challenged Inter striker Marcus Thuram for the ball.

Goglichidze’s sliding tackle looked high. However, Marchetti initially just booked the 20-year-old.

However, the VAR looked at the incident, seeing the foul by Goglichidze as worthy of a straight red card.

And indeed, each replay of the tackle looked more damning than the last. The Empoli defender went in studs up, making contact with the shin of Thuram and then raking down his ankle.

Therefore, it was not terribly surprising that VAR advised Marchetti go and look at the monitor. Nor was it surprising that the official changed the colour of Goglichidze’s card to red.

This was a similar incident to the one which saw Torino defender Guillermo Maripan sent off against Inter after a VAR check. That was also for a late slide tackle on Thuram.