Inter President Beppe Marotta believes Antonio Conte had a ‘purpose’ for lashing out at the VAR after Inter-Napoli following a refereeing decision he did not agree with, adding that the contact between Anguissa and Dumfries ‘was a penalty’.
The Napoli manager was furious when he spoke on TV after the final whistle on Sunday, as he slammed the current protocol, which did not allow the VAR to intervene to cancel the penalty awarded to Inter, but Marotta thinks the referee made the right decision as there was ‘definitely’ contact between the two players involved.
The Nerazzurri President worked with Conte for several seasons both at Juventus and Inter and is convinced the Italian tactician made use of his skills as a ‘great communicator’ when publicly protesting against the VAR.
Marotta: Conte a ‘great communicator’, Dumfries-Anguissa contact ‘was a penalty’
“I believe technology improves things, reducing errors,” Marotta told reporters during the ceremony for the Niels Liedholm awards in Cuccaro Monferrato on Tuesday morning, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Regarding what happened on Sunday and Conte’s remarks—he’s an intelligent person and a great communicator, who certainly has his purpose when he speaks.
“I must say the referee was very close to the action. So there was definitely physical contact, the foot was displaced, and in my opinion, it was a penalty.
“If there’s a need to discuss a better use of VAR in terms of protocol, that’s part of a constructive debate that should happen within the football system.”
Marotta on Scaroni’s provocation: ‘I hope Milan can get their second star soon’
Marotta also responded to Paolo Scaroni’s playful provocation, as Milan Charmain said the Rossoneri are the only ‘real team’ in the city.
“It depends on your perspective,” Marotta joked.
“If he represents the only team in Milan, perhaps we represent something even greater.
I don’t want to stir up controversy, Paolo is a friend, and everyone tries to elevate their own club, calling it the best. I hope Milan can get their second star soon.”
