Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji has commented on Felix Tswaye’s controversial penalty call against Liverpool last night.
Via interview with CBS Sports Inter Milan 1908Akanji criticized the German referee for making a soft decision.
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Despite battling illness on Monday, Manuel Akanji Still entered Inter Milan’s starting lineup yesterday.
Additionally, the Manchester City loanee performed well against familiar opposition.
In fact, Akanji faced Liverpool on several occasions during a trophy-laden Etihad Stadium period.
Even after a physically demanding week, he still showed his experience and composure in the backfield.
While Akanji was dominant, his defensive teammate Alessandro Bastoni fell short of expectations.
The 26-year-old awarded a cheap penalty but much of the blame lies with the referee Felix Tswayer.
Bastoni did pull Florian Wirtz’s shirt into the box, but it wasn’t enough to award a penalty.
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However, despite initially allowing play to continue, Zwayer had other ideas after reviewing their duel via VAR.
Manuel Akanji slams Felix Zwaye after Inter Milan lose 1-0 to Liverpool
MANCHESTER, UK – SEPTEMBER 29: Match referee Felix Zwayer watches the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Manchester United and Villarreal at Old Trafford on September 29, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Akanji admitted there was minor contact between Bastoni and Wirtz but insisted it was not enough to warrant a penalty.
Furthermore, he lashed out at his team-mates for even giving Zwaye a reason to consider a penalty.
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“Bastoni was tugging on his shirt, but very gently,” Akanji said. “Obviously, if you watch everything in slow motion, everything looks a lot worse than it actually is.
“The player was moving away from the goal and Bastoni just pulled his shirt a little bit.
“This is one of the lightest penalties I’ve ever seen. In the end, we have to be honest as well.
“We couldn’t even give the referee a chance to give a penalty like this.
