During the Serie A match between Napoli and Pisa, a controversial incident involving Napoli`s Kevin De Bruyne and Pisa`s Mehdi Leris sparked debate. De Bruyne appeared to foul Leris inside the penalty area, but no spot-kick was awarded to Pisa. The reason? VAR (Video Assistant Referee) provided the match official with a comprehensive view of the situation.
This incident follows recent criticism of officials during Milan`s victory over Bologna, where a penalty was overturned after reviewing only part of a challenge. Learning from that experience, referee Valerio Crezzini was called to consult the VAR monitor during the Napoli-Pisa match.
VAR`s Thorough Review Process
Initially, Crezzini was shown De Bruyne stepping on Leris` foot on the edge of the penalty area, which is considered part of the box. This action alone would have warranted a penalty for Pisa. However, VAR didn`t stop there.
The video review also presented footage leading up to the incident. It revealed that Leris had stumbled and fallen onto the ball, making contact with his hand. This additional information allowed Crezzini to evaluate the entire sequence of events.
After careful consideration, the referee announced to the stadium that Leris` handball was “punishable.” This decision effectively nullified the potential penalty against De Bruyne.
Pisa`s coach, Alberto Gilardino, expressed strong disagreement with the call, labeling it “embarrassing” that the handball was ruled against his team.
This incident highlights the growing influence of VAR in modern football and its ability to provide officials with a more complete picture of contentious situations. While it may not satisfy everyone, the technology aims to ensure more accurate decision-making on the pitch.