Referee disputes in Milan: protests over Lautaro's two goals and a warning to Calhanoglu

Inter closed the second matchday of the group stage of the 2026/2027 Champions League with a win that sparked refereeing controversies: Bruges protested both goals of Lautaro Martínez, while Hakan Calhanoglu received only a yellow card for a challenge on the opponent's penalty.

Decisions on Lautaro's first goal

At the 44th minute, Lautaro Martínez's offside was confirmed by the VAR after a heated protest from Bruges. The Argentine midfielder exploited Mechele's position, who was left behind, to head past goalkeeper Sommer. The VAR check showed that the defender was offside, but the goal was upheld.

The penalty awarded to Bruges at the 29th minute was then whistled by Rohit Saggi, a Norwegian referee, despite protests from the Turkish midfielder. The replay showed a regular position of the shot, but Calhanoglu was cautioned for attempting to obstruct the penalty kick.

Second goal disallowed and other controversies

At the 36th minute, Lautaro headed in on Sommer, but the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside, confirmed by both the assistant and the VAR.

Inter coach warns Bruges will test Nerazzurri ambition

At the 57th minute, Dimarco was involved in an action at the edge of the penalty area where, according to the narrative, a foul against him was missing; the decision remained unchanged.

At the 81st minute, Bastoni intervened with an inadvertent hand touch that started Inter's counter‑attack, triggering new protests from Bruges.

The officiating sextet, composed of Saggi (NOR), Olav Dale (NOR), Haukasen (NOR), Kringstad (NOR) on the field and Del Cerro Grande (SPA) and Soto Grado (SPA) at the VAR, managed the match with numerous moments of tension.

Inter aim to erase loss to Bruges at San Siro in the Champions

With the win, Inter maintains the group lead, but the controversial decisions could affect upcoming matches, especially if Bruges manages to recover points in the coming matchdays.