Antonio Conte (foto: Getty Images)
Antonio Conte expressed his frustration with VAR after a controversial penalty in Napoli's 1-1 draw against Inter, suggesting there might be "ulterior motives" behind such decisions.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has launched a tirade against VAR following a controversial penalty awarded in their 1-1 draw with Inter. The former Chelsea and Juventus manager was incensed by the match officials—both on the field and those overseeing VAR—after his side was held at the San Siro.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring for Inter from close range, but Hakan Çalhanoğlu equalized with a stunning strike. Later, Inter's Turkish midfielder had a chance to secure a win with a penalty but struck the post. The awarding of the spot-kick left Conte fuming, as there appeared to be minimal contact between Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Denzel Dumfries. The decision stood because there was no "clear and obvious error" to overturn it.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Conte vented his frustration: "What does it mean that the VAR cannot intervene? It only intervenes when it is convenient. If there is an error, it must intervene. These incidents change matches."
"This thing really pisses me off, as it does all coaches. The VAR must correct the referees' errors or intervene if something was not seen. We are in a situation where we start to think again that there are ulterior motives on everyone's part. The referee in these cases must go and see, then at most confirm the decision."
Controversial VAR decisions continue to make headlines across Europe and the world, raising questions about why officiating teams still make significant errors despite advanced technology designed to aid them.
The draw means Napoli remains atop Serie A heading into the international break. However, they are closely followed by four teams, including Inter, who are just one point behind in fourth place.