50th-Minute Foul Triggers Serie A Referee Dispute for Milan
AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot launched a public attack on Serie A refereeing standards following his team’s 2-1 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on November 8, 2026. The French international expressed fury after referee Davide Massa issued only a yellow card to Genoa defender Alessandro Marcandalli for a 50th-minute foul, a decision upheld by video assistant referees despite Milan demanding a red card for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Disputed Denial of Scoring Opportunity Triggers Milan Backlash
The disciplinary outcome immediately disrupted Milan’s bench, resulting in red cards for members of Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff alongside a booking for Rabiot due to dissent. On the pitch, goals from Alphadjo Cisse and Christian Pulisic secured three points for the visitors, but the refusal to send off Marcandalli after Rabiot intercepted the ball 60 metres from goal left the squad aggrieved over technical interpretations of defensive proximity and field position.
AC Milan
clubThe victory keeps AC Milan moving forward in their domestic campaign following the away fixture in Genoa.
“In life just as in football, you can make mistakes, but you should at least be able to admit them. Lying continually won’t help you progress. And it is Italian football that will pay the consequences.”
“Rabiot’s chance was a scoring opportunity, but the rules state that in order for it to qualify as DOGSO, there have to be four parameters met. In this case, considering the foul took place towards the touchline and circa 60 metres from goal, I consider Davide Massa’s decision to show only a yellow card to be sustainable.”
Former match official Gianpaolo Calvarese provided the technical breakdown on social media, prompting Rabiot’s direct public reply.
