ROMA’S clash with Sassuolo was marred by a pair of low blows after two players kicked each other in the GROIN.
Marash Kumbulla saw red on the stroke of half time after booting Domenico Berardi between the legs as he lay on the ground.
However, another angle showed exactly why the Roma star reacted that way – and it was because he had also been punted below the belt first.
After a tangle in the box, a fresh angle showed that Berardi had kicked his rival in the private parts as he was getting to his feet.
That caused a furious reaction, but somehow VAR missed the Sassuolo ace’s attack, and it was only the Albanian international that was given his marching orders.
It led to Sassuolo also being awarded a penalty and, after a lengthy delay, Berardi dusted himself off to convert and fire his team into a 3-1 lead.
Referee Luca Marelli explained to DAZN why Kumbulla was sent off and the reason Sassuolo were awarded a penalty after the fiery Serie A clash.
He said: “It is your classic example of violent conduct. It was a kick to an opponent with the ball in play, so if the ball is still in play, then there can be both technical and disciplinary action.
“The ball was in Rui Patricio’s arms, but the referee had not blown the whistle to stop play.
“VAR therefore called the referee back for the on-field review, as the kick was very, very obvious.”
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Armand Lauriente’s quickfire double had fired the visitors into an early two-goal lead before Nicola Zalewski pulled one back.
Paulo Dybala made it 2-3 after the break but Andrea Pinamonti grabbed a fourth for Sassuolo.
Georginio Wijnaldum got a late consolation for Jose Mourinho’s Roma but it was too little, too late.
