Made Controversial Decision In Milan's Defeat To Spezia, Italian Referee Association Apologizes

AC Milan (Twitter.com/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - The Italian Referees Association (AIA) apologized to AC Milan after Stefano Pioli's team lost 1-2 to Spezia in the match which took place at the San Siro Stadium, Monday, January 17 evening local time.

In that match, Milan had led the match through Rafael Leao's goal in the first half. However, Milan actually fell 1-2 after the visitors scored goals through Kevin Agudelo in the 64th minute and Emmanuel Quartsin Gyasi in 90+6 extra time.

Before Spezia's winning goal, a controversial moment occurred. Precisely when the second half injury time running two minutes.

At that moment, referee Serra disallowed Junior Messias' goal and instead awarded a free kick to Milan after Ante Rebic was brought down by Simone Bastoni before a wild ball headed for Messias.

In the replay, referee Serra blew the whistle before Messias kicked off or right after Rebic was fouled. The 39-year-old referee was considered wrong for not giving Milan advantage play.

Because of this incident, referee Serra himself has apologized to the AC Milan players on the pitch. Serra even apologized to Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

"I tried to calm the players, but I failed, Spezia's winning goal was proof. We know this is unfair, but we also have to blame ourselves, along with the referee. The referee apologized, although maybe it wasn't a mistake. It's a pity," said Pioli quoted from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pioli himself thinks Milan should be able to win without involving controversy. Moreover, the hosts had many opportunities, including Theo Hernandez's missed penalty in the first half.

In the aftermath of Serra's controversy in this match, AIA immediately took firm steps. Serra is prohibited from leading more than two games.