Controversy dominated discussions during Bologna’s Coppa Italia quarter-final clash with Lazio at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara after a key refereeing incident involving Fisayo Dele-Bashiru drew strong protests from the visiting side, according to Italian news agency Adnkronos.

With the Nigerian midfielder in control of the ball and bearing down on goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski, Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson recovered from behind and grabbed Dele-Bashiru by the shirt, pulling him back and knocking him off balance before he could get a shot away.

Referee Daniele Chiffi, who was positioned some distance from the play, allowed the game to continue.

The decision immediately sparked furious protests from Lazio players and head coach Maurizio Sarri, who called for Ferguson to be shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Lazio maintained that Dele-Bashiru was through on goal with no defenders between him and the goalkeeper at the moment of the infringement.

Chiffi was subsequently summoned to the pitch-side monitor for a VAR review.

The check, however, was brief. After reviewing the footage, the officials determined that the incident did not constitute a clear and obvious error, and the on-field decision stood, with no foul awarded and no disciplinary sanction imposed.

Despite the frustration, Lazio regrouped and continued to press. Bologna took the lead before the break through Santiago Castro, but Dele-Bashiru played a decisive role in Lazio’s response early in the second half.

The midfielder drove forward and delivered a precise cross into the box, which Tijjani Noslin converted to level the score at 1-1.

With no further goals in normal time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.

Lazio prevailed from the spot to eliminate the holders and advance to the Coppa Italia semi-finals, with Dele-Bashiru’s assist and earlier involvement ensuring he remained central to the narrative of a dramatic and controversial night in Bologna.

Wale Adejumo