Controversial Call Denies Milan a Goal in a 2-2 Milan–Sassuolo Thriller
14 December 2025
Match Referee Controversy
Luca Marioli, the former referee and current officiating expert, said that Christian Pulisic, Milan's star, deserved the disallowed goal.
Milan were held to a 2-2 draw with Sassuolo, wasting two crucial points in the title race.
Key moments and VAR debate
The match sparked criticism of the officiating, with Pulisic's disallowed goal linked to a claimed shove by Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the start of the move, while many argued Sassuolo should have had a penalty.
Marioli told DAZN: 'It was a live on-field assessment of contact; Loftus-Cheek's hands were visible, but I saw no real push.'
He added: 'The whistle blew, but the contact was minor; there was no real push, and the goal should have stood.'
On a late error by Milan's Pavlovic with the score 2-2, he said: 'Pavlovic did not touch the ball, but struck Chidera's left leg with his right foot.'
He also argued that the VAR acted too quickly and that this should have been a penalty for Sassuolo.
Punchline 1: If the referee’s whistle paid rent, it would own a penthouse in Milan.
Punchline 2: And if VAR had a sense of humor, it would interject with 'Nice try' before the goal line.
