Abate flags penalty doubts

AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate has questioned referee Nicola Rizzoli’s decision to award Palermo a penalty in the teams’ 2-2 draw.

Rizzoli pointed to the spot in the dying seconds of the first half on Tuesday, after Abate touched the ball with his hand inside the area, and the Italy international feels the official’s decision was a harsh one.

“The penalty was dubious,” Abate was quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

“It indeed hit my hand, but there was no movement of my arm towards the ball. I think it was a bit generous.”

The decision came just a matter of days after Rizzoli caused controversy by disallowing a Catania goal in their defeat to Juventus on Sunday.

Abate was quick to move on from the incident and stressed Milan must keep on working hard as they look to resurrect their season.

“We’re all on the same page and we have to keep on going like this,” he said.

“We must focus on the match against Chievo now.”

Milan sit ninth on the Serie A table, with 11 points from 10 games played.