Former referee Luca Marelli has hit out on the controversial refereeing selections in Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Verona this night.
Verona equalised from the penalty spot after Francisco Conceicao’s opener, with an albeit mushy penalty given for a handball from Juventus wing again Joao Mario.
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It was a harsh penalty and one which many, , felt shouldn’t have been given.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Joao Mario of Juventus FC is challenged by Domagoj Bradaric of Hellas Verona in the course of the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photograph by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Pictures)
Talking to DAZN in regards to the penalty incident, , Marelli mentioned “The penalty was awarded after a VAR assessment for a contact by Joao Mario’s arm.”
“The magnifying glass exhibits us Joao Mario’s angle, he closes his eyes and the ball instantly drops,” he continued, “I disagree with the choice: it was an sudden ball and shouldn’t be punishable. He can’t know the place the ball went.”
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Marelli slams lack of crimson card for Orban in Verona 1-1 Juventus
Verona goalscorer Present Orban was additionally the centre of one other controversy, when he made contact with an elbow to the face of Bianconeri defender Federico Gatti.
On this incident, Marelli mentioned “The problem is open to debate. Rapuano known as for a yellow however VAR didn’t name it again.”
“Orban isn’t take a look at the ball,” Marelli continued, “it seems to be like he’s aiming at his head. The blow wasn’t direct but in addition touched the shoulder, the proper choice would have been a crimson card.”
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Present Orban of Hellas Verona scores the equaliser with a penalty kick in the course of the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photograph by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Pictures)
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Lastly, the previous referee concluded “The yellow is a reduction on the punishment he deserved. VAR won’t have intervened to evaluate whether or not the participant goes with a closed fist or an open hand: in case of the previous, it’s thought of violent conduct.”
A drained Juventus limped over the road and had been solely spared their blushes by a VAR name of their favour, when a second-half purpose for the hosts was disallowed because of an offside.