Okereke: Acerbi Should Have Seen Red In Cremonese’s 2-1 Defeat To Inter

Okereke: Acerbi Should Have Seen Red In Cremonese’s 2-1 Defeat To Inter

Ibraheem Lateef Ayodele

Nigeria international David Okereke was left furious that Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi didn't see red in Cremonese’s 2-1 defeat on Saturday, as the Italian sending-off would’ve changed the game, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The incident occurred just 29 minutes into the match when the result was stalled at 1-1 after goals from the Nigerian and Lautaro Martinez.

Okereke was breaking away on the counter-attack when Acerbi mistimed the sliding tackle, so the Inter defender swept his leg to catch the striker and bring him down.

The referee opted for a yellow card for two reasons, Alessandro Bastoni was not too far away and therefore in theory could still have blocked him off, plus the foul was in the centre circle and so too far away to be considered a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

It was still a huge risk for Acerbi, especially after Milan Skriniar was sent off for two bookable offences in last week’s defeat to Empoli.

Okereke was not convinced by the official explanation and was furious in his interview with DAZN.

“In my view, it was a red card because the other defender was a long way off. I think that if he hadn’t brought me down, I would’ve been clear on the goal.

“I scored a goal, but it didn’t bring any points to the team. This incident could’ve changed the game.”