Referee designator Rocchi supports controversial call in Atalanta vs Milan, report suggests | OneFootball

Charles De Ketelaere’s goal against Milan arguably marked the most controversial moment in Atalanta’s 2-1 win over the Rossoneri, but Referees’ Association chief Gianluca Rocchi was reportedly pleased with how referee Federico La Penna handled the situation.

The Belgium international jumped the highest to head in La Dea’s opener at the Gewiss Stadium on Friday, sparking Paulo Fonseca’s fury as the Portuguese manager claimed after the match that the midfielder made a ‘clear foul’ by pushing Theo Hernandez in an attempt to meet Marten de Roon’s free kick.

Rocchi agrees with referee’s controversial decision in Atalanta vs Milan

However, Sky Sport Italia revealed that referee designator Rocchi seems to agree with La Penna’s decision not to rule out the goal, as he believes it was the result of a fair aerial challenge with De Ketelaere simply leaping with better timing and elevation than Milan’s left-back.

AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

La Penna returned to the pitch for Atalanta’s clash against the Rossoneri after a two-week absence, as he was punished for not prompting referee Marco Di Bello to review Isak Hien’s handball in La Dea’s 2-1 win over Udinese.