“It’s a Kick” – Audio Reveals Fabbri & VAR Argument Over Lazio Penalty Incident

“It’s a Kick” – Audio Reveals Fabbri & VAR Argument Over Lazio Penalty Incident

Referee Michael Fabbri stole the headlines for the controversial decision he made during Monday’s Serie A contest between Fiorentina and Lazio.

Fiorentina vs Lazio Marred by Controversy

The Tuscans took the lead in the first half thanks to Robin Gosens’ clinical header. The Biancocelesti had some chances to equalize, but couldn’t convert them, as the contest ended 1-0 in favor of the home side.

Player Ratings: Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio – Cancellieri Squanders his Chance

Nevertheless, the most debated moment in the match ensued in the middle of the second period, when Tijjani Noslin fell inside the opposition’s box following a challenge on Rolando Mandragora.

Fabbri was quick to label it a simulation, so he handed the incredulous Dutchman a yellow card. At this stage, Daniele Paterna, who was on the VAR duty, intervened, inviting the match official to rewatch the action on the monitor. However, the 42-year-old ended up confirming his original decision following an on-field review.

Michael Fabbri Argues with VAR Over Noslin Incident

Open VAR (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) released the audio containing the conversation between Fabbri and Paterna, where the latter tried to change the formers decision but to no avail.

VAR ROOM: “Check if he steps on him. He simulated.”

FABBRI: “Get up! [to Noslin]. It’s not a step on the foot, they just collide. It’s a booking, come on, go.”

VAR: “This is a penalty. He kicks his foot.”

F: “He jumps like crazy (Noslin). There’s contact, but it’s never a foul because it’s not a step on the foot. Enough! He touches him, then he jumps like crazy, that’s it! (explaining to the players).”

VAR: “Michael (Fabbri), give me a moment to check the APP so I can show it to you again.”

F: “Was it a step on the foot?”

VAR: “Yes, basically. I’ll show it to you again. I recommend an OFR for a possible penalty.”

F: “Tell me straight away, is it a step on the foot or do they just collide?”

VAR: “It’s a kick on the shin-foot. This is the point of contact, I’ll also show you the dynamics. The tight camera… even closer.”

F: “It’s contact with the sole of the foot. Moreover, he actually tries to avoid the leg.”

VAR: “It’s a kick.”

F: “[Fabbri turns to players and benches] Hold on a moment, don’t show anything. Everyone step out, come on. Now go. [Back to the monitor] I see the point of contact, but show it to me in motion from other cameras as well. Because if you show me a still image… I want to understand the intensity of the kick.”

VAR: “You tell me. Here’s another angle. Zoom in a bit…”

F: “It’s with the sole of the foot, and he actually pulls his leg back.”

VAR: “No, he moves it forward, not backward.”

F: “There’s no force, no real dynamic action — for me, it’s not a penalty.”

VAR: “There’s also this [angle].”

F: “Yes alright, but it’s just contact.”

VAR: “It’s a kick.”

F: “Show me this [angle] at normal speed. No, for me it’s not a penalty.”

VAR: “That’s a kick. At least tell him it’s a kick. Let him decide (Paterna and Aureliano speaking).”

F: “It’s not a penalty — there’s no dynamic, no force.”

VAR: “He’s already booked him for simulation.”

F: “[To the players] That can’t be.”

Lazio Pay the Price for Inconsistent Standards

In his post-match press conference, Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri perfectly summarized the situation. The 67-year-old admitted that this contact shouldn’t constitute a spot-kick in his standards, but then again, the manager noted how penalties are being awarded for less.

The Italian mainstream newspaper had different opinions on the matter, with some commending the referee for his stance, while others condemned his decision. Former Serie A referee Luca Marelli considered it a just call, but felt that the yellow card for simulation was excessive.

So, while Fabbri wasn’t necessarily in the wrong, Lazio fans have the right to wonder why the interpretation of the rules, inconsistent as it is, is seldom in their favor.