It was a big match, and it was an exciting one with chances, nullified goals, Ibrahimovic spectacular free kick and penalty controversy. Roma coach Jose Mourinho, as well as his players were furious at the referee Maresca, who failed to award a penalty for the hosts, but did so for AC Milan. Unfortunately, this game will also be remembered for another racial abuse, this time from the home fans, who targeted goal scorers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Frank Kessie. Just before Ibrahimovic scored an opening goal from a great free kick, the Roma ultras had been chanting ‘You are a gypsy’. The Swede turned to the fans and urged them to sing it louder after scoring the goal, earning him a yellow card for goading the home supporters. There were also racist ‘monkey noises’ heard as Kessie stepped up to convert the penalty for 2-0.Ibrahimovic scores his 400th goal to defeat Mourinho’s RomaIbrahimovic talked about this abuse after the match, and even managed to joke about his strike, which, by his standards, was not strong enough.“I need the jeers, the more they jeer, the more alive I feel. Adrenaline brings so much. We want to win, especially when playing such a big game and a man down. We showed we’ve all got character and can suffer under pressure too. The lads put in a great performance. We played with a lot of confidence and our style. We knew it wasn’t easy, Roma were unbeaten at home this season, but we played really well and must continue with this belief and tempo. Every now and then, I pull a surprise!! You must always give it a go, as failure is part of success, so you keep trying. The ball usually goes quicker! At least 200 km! I think I must be slowing my shot in old age!” Ibrahimovic told DAZN.(©AFP)Roma coach Jose Mourinho was not so joyful as he (again) had something to say about the refereeing, but decided not to, fearing another touchline ban.“Compliments to Milan. I don’t want to say anything else, because otherwise I won’t be on the touchline next week. I am angry at the lack of respect shown to the Roma fans. We did not play well, but we left everything on the pitch. We have that respect, others do not, and that angers me. That is all“ he told DAZN before leaving the podium.(1,43) ROMA (4.70) BODO (8.50)His defender Gianluca Mancini however, didn’t have any problems ripping apart referee Maresca for awarding Milan a penalty, but denying Roma one.„We share the coach’s anger, everyone saw the incidents. The penalty on Ibanez was absolutely not a penalty. The referee was told to view it again on VAR, he still made that decision. Defenders aren’t allowed to tackle, we have to jump with our arms behind our backs, that’s not football. Then there was a huge penalty at the end where Kjaer caught Pellegrini on the shin. That’s a penalty, but VAR did not intervene. It was clear as day. Referees come to talk to us, they say be careful with handling offences, and that makes all us defenders have to jump like penguins. They keep saying they don’t want to give so many penalties, yet award penalties like that. It was a perfectly normal tackle in the box with two players going for the ball. Ibrahimovic wasn’t even in a position to shoot. Referees can make mistakes, just like players, we are all human beings. However, there are five officials or something in the VAR, if they call you over to view it again, it means you’ve made a mistake. I went to Maresca after the final whistle and told him what I told you, that it was a normal tackle and Ibrahimovic couldn’t even shoot. I am someone who watches a lot of football. I think 12 yellow cards was far too many for this game. Look at the Premier League, they’d laugh if you officiated like that, especially with that penalty. I don’t want to show a lack of respect to anyone, but honestly, it feels like a joke. Kjaer didn’t get the ball, he only got Pellegrini’s calf. I feel taken for a ride“ Mancini told DAZN.
