Monchi: We need clarity on VAR

Alessandro Florenzi equalised five minutes from time to rescue a point for the Giallorossi, after a controversial penalty had enabled the hosts to grab a first-half lead.

And that penalty decision - along with the use of VAR to review it - was the subject of much of Monchi's post-match comments.

Are you happy with the draw?

“No, I'm not happy with anything apart from the football we played tonight, which I think is close to the level we want to see in every game. Roma deserved more than we ended up with this evening. Unfortunately there was a moment where the game turned.

“I'm sorry to have to talk about this now because in my 18 months at Roma I've never spoken about the referees in Serie A. I don't want to accuse him of anything now either because it's not easy to assess everything correctly on the pitch, but since last year we've been able to use VAR for situations like the penalty given to Fiorentina today. Technology can shed light on things like that.”

So you think that decision proved decisive in terms of the final score?

“Well, yes. The game finished 1-1. They scored their goal from a penalty that everyone thinks wasn't a penalty.

“Roma have perhaps complained less than anyone else in Italy about refereeing. There was a dubious penalty awarded against us in the game against SPAL and last week against Napoli there was another incident involving [Edin] Dzeko and we didn't say anything.”

Why do you feel the need to speak today?

“I keep saying that the referee is the last person responsible but there's a person who, unfortunately and not for the first time, was at the centre of situation similar to the one we witnessed today. I remember last year a different decision was given for a penalty on [Diego] Perotti against Inter. All I'm asking for is a bit of justice and more clarity.

“I don't believe anyone does it on purpose but it's not because Roma never complain that we're happy to accept everything that goes on.

“If we need to talk then let's talk because we know how to talk, but I don't think that's the way forward. The way forward is to exploit VAR's full potential. I back the technology as much as anyone. I think it protects everyone – and no one more than the referee.

“I can understand everything but I think VAR should intervene when there's a doubt and today's penalty was the classic situation where it could have been used. As I said, the referee can make mistakes out there, but I think the person sitting in a chair who is there to assess it should have at least called the referee over to look at it pitchside.”