VAR Audio controversy: Rocchi admits mistake in Inter Milan-Roma penalty call

Rocchi acknowledges referee and VAR errors in Inter Milan’s denied penalty vs Roma: “For us, that’s a clear penalty.”

At the end of the season, the audio from the Inter Milan-Roma match — a defeat for the Nerazzurri — emerged, specifically regarding the N'Dicka-Bisseck penalty incident. 

DAZN had requested the audio from AIA, but Giorgia Rossi had reported that the streaming channel was denied access. Now, the audio from the Lissone VAR Room has surfaced, and it was commented on during OPEN VAR by referee chief Gianluca Rocchi.

“Since there's now the possibility to let people listen to the audio, and because I don't want there to be speculation about the communication, I prefer to make it public,” the head of referees explained.

As the ball is played, someone says “All good.” Silence follows as Bisseck falls in the box, and from the VAR room, Di Bello is heard saying: “Show me the center of the area.” “Let me put the goal line on,” someone replies. On-field referee Fabbri says: “They're always in contact.”

More angles are shown. As the VAR room continues evaluating, Fabbri says: “Enough, leave it,” referring to someone protesting near him. 

VAR staff are heard again: “Speed zero, he falls just as he’s released. Check complete. There are two arms around the waist, but as he lets go, he falls. Check complete.”

The referee confirms over the earpiece: “He never pulls him down. It's just arms around the body, nothing more.”

Rocchi's Comment

“On the field, the assessment is no penalty, but if you don’t see or misjudge something on the pitch, it remains a mistake,” Rocchi said. 

“At the monitor, Di Bello makes an error by not focusing on how the play begins. Ndicka clearly shows disinterest in the ball, and to me, that's already punishable.

“The final decision was influenced by the lack of force in the hold. But for us, based on what we’ve agreed upon, it’s definitely a penalty that should be given. 

This is part of the growth path we’re on with VAR. Compared to where we started, we’ve come a long way in defining intervention lines and developing our VAR officials.

“That’s why, towards the end of the season, I said: better one review too many than one too few when you have a doubt. 

Otherwise, you risk carrying the doubt within you, which can turn into a mistake. Our VAR referees — who I can proudly say are among the best — now need to take this next step. And I’m confident they will.”

Source: Fcinter1908.it