Former Serie A referee Mauro Bergonzi blasted Maurizio Mariani after Sunday’s controversial 2-2 draw between Torino and Inter Milan.
Speaking to Nuova DS via FCInterNews, Bergonzi criticized Mariani for awarding a dubious penalty to the Granata.
Torino hauled back a two-goal deficit to end Inter’s three-game winning streak in Serie A.
Indeed, goals from Giovanni Simeone and Nikola Vlasic also halted Torino’s poor run of seven consecutive league losses in this fixture.
Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram maintained his prolific form in April with a thumping header to open the scoring.
Furthermore, Yann Bisseck scored in his first Serie A start after the international break to double the visitors’ lead.
However, Mariani helped Roberto D’Aversa’s side avoid defeat.
Duvan Zapata tried to head down a cross from the flank, with the ball striking Carlos Augusto’s arm.
Despite initially refusing to point to the spot, Mariani changed his mind after reviewing the incident.
Mauro Bergonzi Slams Maurizio Mariani After Torino 2-2 Inter Milan Draw
Mariani would not have awarded a penalty had it not been for Paolo Mazzoleni’s call from the VAR booth.
Commenting on Mariani’s controversial penalty call, Bergonzi said: “There’s a cross from the left, Zapata’s header ends up hitting Carlos Augusto’s arm, and VAR official Mazzoleni sends Mariani to the monitor to review the footage.
“They watch it many times, and then Mariani announces that the arm is in an unnatural position.
“Honestly, I can’t tell you how it can be considered that; for me, it’s not a penalty,” the current Rai Sport commentator finished.
Mariani’s dubious call came amid another refereeing scandal in Serie A.
Indeed, numerous high-ranking officials, including former designator Gianluca Rocchi, are currently under investigation.
Needless to say, he has already stepped down from his role.
In addition to Rocchi, VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni is also under heavy scrutiny. The same applies to Daniele Paterna.
