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Controversy at San Siro: Inter Lodge Strong Protests Over Sulemana-Dumfries Contact in Krstovic's Goal

A huge row erupted at San Siro over Atalanta's equaliser at Inter's ground, sparking controversy that could affect the league title race. The pivotal moment involved a challenge between Sulemana and Dumfries which led to Krstovic's goal, with referee Manganiello's decision causing uproar.

Controversy at San Siro: Inter Lodge Strong Protests Over Sulemana-Dumfries Contact in Krstovic's Goal

There was a huge row at San Siro over Atalanta’s equaliser at Inter’s ground.There was a huge row at San Siro over Atalanta’s equaliser at Inter’s ground, a result that could throw the league title race wide open: under the microscope is a challenge between Sulemana and Dumfries that cleared the way for the Ghanaian to shoot, with Krstovic then tapping the ball into the net after Sommer had parried it.It all happens in the 82nd minute: Zappacosta plays a long ball to the Montenegrin, who flicks it back over his shoulder, counting on Sulemana to make a run, but Sulemana is a bit too late compared to Dumfries. The two go in for a challenge; the Ghanaian places a hand on the Dutchman’s back, and there may even be slight contact between the two players’ right feet. The fact remains that Dumfries then slips and loses possession to his opponent, who then shoots, sees his effort parried by Sommer, and Krstovic scores. Manganiello looks as though he is about to blow his whistle, but then decides not to penalise the challenge.The Inter players immediately protest vehemently to Manganiello, who, however, points to the centre circle as the ball crosses the line. Dumfries puts his hands to his face in disbelief; the review by Gariglio and Chiffi in the VAR room takes an age, with play resuming after more than three minutes, and Chivu is the most vocal in his complaints: the Inter manager is first booked, then, upon the goal being awarded, sent off, and leaves the pitch shouting, “It was a foul!” This was Luca Marelli’s comment on DAZN: “There’s little to debate about this incident. The goal came from an uncalled challenge between Sulemana and Dumfries; Manganiello did very well to let play continue. There was no low contact; the high contact was a hand resting on Dumfries’ back, but it wasn’t a foul. It looks as though Dumfries fell to the ground; the goal was absolutely legitimate.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

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The Controversial Goal Incident

The incident occurred in the 82nd minute as Atalanta's Krstovic scored after Sulemana's shot was parried by Sommer following a challenge between Sulemana and Dumfries. While Dumfries lost possession after a slight contact and slip, referee Manganiello allowed play to continue despite protests from Inter players.

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Referee's Decision and Managerial Outcry

Referee Manganiello defended his decision, citing the lack of a clear foul in the challenge between Sulemana and Dumfries. Despite VAR review delays and vigorous protests from the Inter camp, the goal stood, leading to Inter manager Chivu's ejection for dissent.

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Expert Analysis and Varied Reactions

Commentator Luca Marelli supported the referee's call, emphasizing the legality of the goal despite the contentious challenge. Meanwhile, Dumfries' disbelief and Chivu's vocal complaints highlighted the intensity of the situation, with emotions running high at San Siro.

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Impact on the Title Race

The result, marred by controversy, could have significant implications for the league title race, potentially altering the course of the season. With Inter's protests falling on deaf ears and Atalanta benefitting from the contentious goal, the fallout from this incident is set to reverberate.

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Published on Mar 14, 2026