Lazio write formal letter of protest, but referees defend controversial goal

Lazio have written a formal letter of protest to the Lega Serie A over what they call repeated refereeing errors against them, but the officials insist that controversial Udinese goal was valid.

The Aquile called a press silence after their 1-1 draw with Udinese on Saturday, when Keinan Davis scored the equaliser with the last kick of the game, seemingly after handling in the build-up.

Following a statement released by the club complaining of repeated refereeing errors against them, it is now reported that Lazio sent a formal letter of protest to the Lega Serie A.

Lazio fury over refereeing decision drags on

However, their complaints are set to fall on deaf ears, because Sport Mediaset report that the AIA (Italian Referees Association) are standing by their officials.

They will clarify it in the next edition of DAZN Italia television programme Open VAR, when the audio and footage will be released from the officials who were evaluating the incident during the game.

Their representative is expected to explain that the Davis handling offence was not sufficient to get the goal disallowed with a VAR intervention, because it happened nine seconds before the goal.

Lazio argue that nobody else had the ball after it struck Davis on the arm, so whether it was intentional or not should be irrelevant.

The referees will note that under the new interpretation of the rule in effect this season, if the player takes more touches after the handball, then it is no longer immediately leading to the goal.