Caputi on Bologna-Inter: "Two obvious mistakes, VAR should have intervened"

The incident between Thuram and Darmian in the penalty area during Bologna–Inter continues to spark debate. On Sky Sport, the day after the match, journalist Caputi commented, taking a clear stance: “For me, this is a clear and obvious error: in fact, there are two mistakes, not awarding the penalty and booking Thuram.”

During the controversial play, Darmian’s foot — now playing for the Rossoblù, formerly a teammate of the Frenchman — tripped Thuram’s foot, who fell in the area claiming a penalty. Referee Doveri, however, judged the contact as simulation and booked the striker. The VAR chose not to intervene.

“The Frenchman is going towards goal: it’s a mistake because if VAR intervenes, there’s a penalty and no booking, that’s what I mean,” Caputi added. “We’ve gone from one extreme to the other. We were used to these being penalties, but now we need to adjust a bit.”

The journalist then opened a broader reflection on the use of refereeing technology: “I like Orsato’s approach: there’s more play, less time wasted. But we also can’t forget that there’s a technological tool that helps. If now I see the referee as someone whose authority is diminished, that’s wrong, because VAR is something extra that gives them strength, it doesn’t weaken them.”