Venezia’s last-minute equalizer was disallowed by VAR against Inter due to Marin Sverko’s handling offense without the need for an on-field review.

The incident occurred on the final kick of the game at the San Siro, when the Nerazzurri were leading 1-0 through a header from Lautaro Martinez.

Sverko and Yann Bisseck both met Ridgeciano Haps’ cross at the back post, which was directed into the net after a series of ricochets between them, sending shockwaves in the Scudetto race.

However, the video assistant referee rejected it because it hit Sverko on the arm, which was on Bisseck’s neck.

See how it developed in the live blog.

Why VAR had to intervene in Venezia’s goal

DAZN referee expert Luca Marelli explained that this was rejected directly by the VAR without the need for an on-site review by referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi, as a handling offense that leads directly to a goal is automatically penalized, regardless of whether it is considered intentional is viewed or not.

Since this was an objective decision that confirmed the contact on the arm, the VAR was able to overrule the goal from the locker room.

One can also argue that Sverko fouled Bisseck by jumping with both arms behind his back, but the handling offense was enough to disallow the goal.