MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Rafael Leao of AC Milan observing during the Serie A match against ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Referee analyst Luca Marelli has concurred with Fiorentina’s complaints that the penalty incident involving AC Milan was outside VAR protocol, as it did not constitute a ‘clear and obvious error.’
This incident was pivotal not only for the match but also for the Serie A standings, as the Rossoneri’s 2-1 win propelled them to the top of the league.
With the score tied at 1-1 at San Siro, Santiago Gimenez collapsed clutching his face after Fabiano Parisi made contact with his shoulder. Initially, referee Livio Marinelli allowed play to continue but was later called to review the situation via the VAR monitor.
Upon review, Marinelli decided to award a penalty, which Rafael Leao successfully converted.
Watch the incident in the video below:
Controversy Surrounds AC Milan’s Victory
Fiorentina expressed their outrage, arguing that the decision stretched the definition of a ‘clear and obvious error’ too far, a viewpoint echoed by DAZN Italia’s referee expert Marelli.
“There isn’t even a notable shirt tug; it’s merely Parisi’s hand on Gimenez’s neck. If a penalty is awarded on the field, you might feel aggrieved but have to accept it.”
“However, if the referee doesn’t award a penalty upon seeing it, then there is no solid justification for an On-Field Review. In my opinion, this VAR call wasn’t aligned with protocol.”
Marelli also referenced a similar case earlier in the season when Juventus triumphed over Inter 4-3, where a hand on the shoulder was not deemed adequate for a VAR review as it was assessed by the referee at the moment.