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October 21, 2024
Credit to Italian Serie A Image Gallery
Gianluca Rocchi has taken the initiative to explain the reasoning behind VAR’s decision not to intervene in the controversial incident involving Douglas Luiz’s off-the-ball strike on Patric during the recent Juventus-Lazio match. The situation gained additional attention and scrutiny following the release of audio recordings from the VAR officials’ discussion, which illuminated the thought process and considerations that led to the decision-making. Rocchi’s clarification aims to provide a deeper understanding of how VAR operates and the guidelines it follows in assessing such incidents.
The incident sparked a significant firestorm of controversy, leaving Lazio feeling frustrated and wronged. They strongly believed that VAR should have taken decisive action to instruct the referee to review the incident for potential violent conduct. This sentiment was intensified by the context of their narrow 1-0 defeat, which contributed to their feeling of injustice regarding how the situation was managed. The combination of the emotional stakes involved in a match of this caliber and the perceived oversight by VAR led to widespread discussions and discontent among Lazio supporters and officials.
In the aftermath of the match, Lazio sought further clarification on the conversations that took place among the VAR officials, particularly focusing on whether they had adequately reviewed the relevant footage of the incident. Given the significance of the situation and its implications for the match outcome, it became essential for Lazio to listen to the replay of that audio discussion, which was featured on DAZN’s program, Open VAR. Hearing this discussion would not only provide valuable insight into the decision-making process but also help address their concerns and grievances regarding the handling of the incident.
The audio recordings that were released provided insight into the referee’s perspective during the match. In these recordings, the referee characterized the incident as involving “a fortuitous contact” between the players in the penalty area. This remark indicated that the referee believed the contact was accidental rather than intentional. As a result of this assessment, the VAR officials felt it necessary to replay the incident in their booth for further evaluation. This step was crucial to ensure a thorough understanding of the situation and to determine whether the referee’s initial judgment warranted a review for potential foul play or violent conduct.
“It’s not that fortuitous,” said the VAR.
However, after viewing it again, they assured the referee there was “not much in it” for the Douglas Luiz push on Patric.
Credit to Italian Serie A Image Gallery
Gianluca Rocchi, a well-respected official within the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA), made an appearance as a guest on the program, where he was invited to share his insights and expertise. During the discussion, he faced questions regarding the appropriateness of the decision made in relation to the controversial incident involving Douglas Luiz and Patric. Given the context and the high stakes of the match, Rocchi’s perspective was sought to better understand whether the refereeing crew acted correctly under the prevailing circumstances.
“It is certainly not fortuitous and we certainly do not like this type of gesture,” explained Rocchi on DAZN.
“If the player had been sent off on the field, we would not have complained. Similarly, there was a situation with the Juventus game with two players going head-to-head and we again decided to stick with the decision made on the field.
“I understand the VAR not intervening, but would also urge the clubs and players to be clear that this is not something to be encouraged. It was more of a push than a punch, but we still don’t like it.
“This gesture was certainly to be condemned and I would not have been scandalised if a red card had been given to Douglas Luiz. However, the evaluation they made was that it needed something more to be a clear and obvious error.”
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