Rome, December 12 (BNA): A referee in Italy’s sixth tier was punished for taking his eye off the ball on Friday when he ordered a league match to be replayed because he failed to notice a penalty kick through a hole in the net.
A goal kick was ordered after the referee saw the ball go out on the other side of the net after a penalty kick by Vigolo Marchesi Pierluigi Arcari in Promosini’s match with Futuro Fornovo Medisano.
Arkari was then sent off for protests and the 10-man team lost 2-1, but video evidence that emerged later clearly showed the ball entered the goal and reappeared through a gap in the net.
The sports judge ordered a replay after the red-faced referee admitted his mistake, but Arkari still had to stop the match after the referee threatened.