The seventh round of Serie A is approaching, but before resuming the competition, discussions have focused on an episode of refereeing that has shocked public opinion. Referee MichaelFabbri awarded a red card to DonyellMalen after the "killer" challenge on BrunoKaiki during the Como-Roma clash. To better understand the decision, former match director GianpaoloCalvarese interviewed former Inter and Lazio player AntonioCandreva in the episode of "Fischio Finale".
Calvarese compared the incident with what happened in Sassuolo-Milan, where ArmandLaurienté hit MarioGila with a hammer foot almost at knee level. “The question of interpretation has always bothered me a little,” Candreva said, underlining that, in his opinion, both Laurienté's and Malen's entries should be considered red. “For me they are both red, all their lives,” he added, highlighting that Laurienté's entry, although more “open”, is still inappropriate, but that the dynamics of the field can make the evaluation more complex when looking only at the photo.
Candreva explained that, in a case like Malen's, the VAR or viewing the image can make you wonder "What has he done?". “It didn't make sense to me to come in with that verve, right?” he said. Calvarese then expressed his perspective as a referee, stating that, observing Malen's jump and the intensity of the action, he considered the red card necessary. “Live I can't perceive where Malen lands,” he explained, and confirmed that he had thought of red.
Regarding Laurienté and Gila's crash, Calvarese acknowledged that the point of contact was high and "bad," but added that the still doesn't do justice to the situation, as the speed was reduced. “There is little speed,” he said, underlining how the decision depends on the perception of the moment.
The interview highlighted the differences in interpretation between players and referees, but also highlighted the complexity of real-time decisions. With Serie A preparing to resume, the discussion remains open as to how arbitrary authorities should handle similar situations in the future.