Ranieri’s criticism of VAR: “If the rules are not clear, VAR should not intervene”

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri's team lost 2-1 to Atalanta, ending Roma's 19-match unbeaten run and seriously damaging their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. But Ranieri's main focus was on the controversial VAR decision in the 63rd minute.

With the score at 1-1, referee Simone Sozza awarded Roma a penalty after Atalanta's Mario Pasalic clashed with Roma midfielder Manu Kone. However, the penalty was overturned after a VAR review, much to Ranieri's dismay.

Ranieri believes VAR should only intervene in clear and obvious fouls. He argues that if Pasalic had come into contact with Kone and the referee had awarded a penalty, VAR should not have intervened. He also objects to the fact that the rules change from game to game.

— I want to ask the experts: was it a penalty or not? If it was a “60/40” situation, we were told that VAR should only intervene in clear and obvious errors.

It is clear that Pasalic made a mistake, did not put his foot correctly and touched our player (Kone). Therefore, VAR should not have interfered. The referee gave a penalty - so the decision should not have changed.

The rules change from game to game, we accept that, but the lack of integrity in our league is disappointing. It is clear: Pasalic made contact with Kone. The referee gave a penalty, VAR should have remained silent.

I am not asking “is there a penalty or not”. I am asking: can the VAR system intervene in contact with a knee or a toe?

We accept, but for the sake of fairness in sport, the rules must be clear. Have they really changed? — the Italian expert described.

This defeat of “Roma” reduced the team’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Currently, the team is in 6th place with 63 points. According to Ranieri, the team will continue to fight until the end.

“Atalanta” with this victory rose to 3rd place with 71 points and guaranteed qualification for the Champions League.

This controversial decision and Ranieri’s criticism may further intensify the discussion about the use of the VAR system and the clarity of the rules in Italian football.

News