Lazio were left irritated and displeased by Matteo Marcenaro’s refereeing decisions that led to their away defeat at the hands of Fiorentina.
The contest was marred by several controversial episodes which directly influenced the result. The Biancocelesti took the lead at the end of the first half through a Mario Gila header, but Albert Gudmundsson made his Viola bow after the break and scored twice from the spot to turn the result upside down.
Lazio Furious with Marcenaro’s Penalty Calls
Nevertheless, most Lazio fans felt the referee (and VAR) were harsh in their decisions. Matteo Guendouzi clipped Gudmundsson on the first occasion, while Nuno Tavares did likewise on Dodo in the final minutes, prompting a VAR review, even though the Fiorentina right-back had already played the ball before the challenge.
Moreover, Italian journalist and avid Lazio supporter Damiano Er Faina felt the referee adopted double standards, as Dodo had also clipped Patric inside his own box, but it went unpunished. Moreover, the Brazilian handled the ball on another occasion that many felt constituted a clear penalty kick in favor of Lazio, but Marcenaro failed to spot it.
Se dai i rigori alla #Fiorentina per “Step on Foot” (giusto) devi fare anche questo.
Manca un rigore alla #Lazio per fallo di #Dodo su #Patric #FiorentinaLazio pic.twitter.com/Y3YtCYQU1c— Damiano Er Faina (@Erfaina1988) September 22, 2024
Lazio coach Marco Baroni expressed his frustration with the refereeing in his post-match interview with Lazio Style Channel (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).
Yes, it hurts because there were episodes that go against the principles and spirit of the game.
We have competent referees but it becomes difficult to explain and analyse these episodes with my players.
I’m sorry for the fans and the team, but I saw a Lazio side that played, created opportunities, this is what we have to hold on to.
