A BLUNDER referee is reportedly facing a ‘lengthy ban’ after his disastrous error cost AC Milan victory against Spezia.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims match official Marco Serra is in hot water after a high-profile mistake in Monday’s Serie A game.
Milan thought they had scored a last-gasp winner when Junior Messias netted in the 92nd minute with the game level at 1-1.
However, as the ball flew into the goal, Serra blew his whistle for a foul on Messias’ teammate Ante Rebic in the build-up.
It meant Messias’ strike – which took place just TWO seconds after the foul on Rebic – did not count, denying Milan the chance to claim all three points.
But there was yet more drama to come as Spezia regained possession before charging up the field and scoring their own 96th-minute winner.
Milan’s players lost their heads as they vented their anger at Serra’s costly mistake.
And it’s now reckoned the Italian referees' association will suspend him for his poor performance.
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Officials who fail to carry out their duties properly are usually given a two-game ban.
But because Serra also missed a clear penalty for Milan in the first-half, it’s believed ref chiefs will make his punishment longer.
That’s despite Serra immediately apologising to AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli after the game.
However, the Rossoneri gaffer refused to lay all the blame at Serra’s feet as his side failed to overtake rivals Inter at the top of the table.
Pioli explained: “I tried to calm my players down but I didn’t manage it, as Spezia’s goal proves.
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“We knew it was an injustice, we have ourselves to blame, but we share responsibilities with the referee.
“I am sorry to say that. He even apologised, maybe that wasn’t even a fault. It’s a shame.
“However, we should have scored more goals in the first half, it’s a bad night and we must react now.”
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