UEFA ‘drop referee Istvan Kovacs from European games’ after the Romanian sent off Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in AC Milan’s controversial Champions League win over Napoli
- Ismael Bennacer’s first-half goal helped AC Milan win 1-0 against 10-man Napoli
- Kovacs, 38, issued ten yellow cards with Kim Min-jae’s booking ruling him out
- Midfielder Anguissa received a second yellow card for pushing Theo Hernandez
UEFA have reportedly dropped referee Istvan Kovacs from European games after the Romanian sent off Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
Ismael Bennacer’s first-half goal helped AC Milan win 1-0 against 10-man Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Kovacs issued ten yellow cards, four to Milan and six to Napoli, with Napoli’s Kim Min-jae’s booking ruling him out of the second leg.
Midfielder Anguissa received a second yellow card 16 minutes from time for pushing Theo Hernandez.
Italian journalist Luca Cerchione reported the 38-year-old will not officiate as a result of his work on Wednesday night, according to Football Italia.
UEFA have reportedly dropped referee Romanian Istvan Kovacs, 38, from European games
Midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa received a second yellow card 16 minutes from time
Serie A leaders Napoli’s first European clash with seven-times European champions Milan was also their first appearance in the quarter-finals of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
Attempting to avenge their 4-0 home defeat by Milan in Serie A this month, Napoli began pressing immediately.
Napoli had their first chance when the Milan defence failed to clear a low ball across the goal, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s attempt was blocked on the line.
Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski fired in a thunderous effort on goal, but Milan keeper Mike Maignan tipped it over the crossbar.
Milan’s first opportunity came from striker Rafael Leao, who took the ball in his own half and made a solo run into the Napoli box before shooting just past the far post.
Although Napoli dominated most of the first half, the hosts took the lead five minutes before the interval when Brahim Diaz teed up Bennacer who struck a low shot inside the far post.
Milan had the opportunity to double their lead when a header from Simon Kjaer struck the crossbar and bounced down, with the referee signalling that the ball did not cross the goal line.
Although Napoli had several chances and more attempts on target than Milan, they missed Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen, who was out with a thigh injury.
Milan are the only team to beat Napoli more than once this season in all competitions ahead of the second leg of the quarter-final on April 18.
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