Referee Colombo attracts fury from Milan fans after Roma display – what the papers say

Referee Andrea Colombo is at the centre of a storm on social media for his handling of Roma-Milan, but the newspapers have praised him.

The only big call that Colombo had to make was the handball on Davide Bartesaghi, which led to the penalty with which Roma ended up drawing level after Koni De Winter’s opener.

However, a clip that is going viral on social media has shown some close-up details from the Stadio Olimpico. Firstly, the referee seems to physically confront Adrien Rabiot as he goes to check that Mile Svilar is ok after he took a ball to the face.

Then, Colombo stepped on Mike Maignan’s boot as the goalkeeper was trying to take up his position for the penalty. The Milan captain let him know, and yet received a yellow card for it.

Finally, Luka Modric got a strong shove in the back as he attempted to chip a ball up into his arms after a free-kick was given. After questioning why, he got the yellow card rather than the offender.

Embarrassing officiating last night. pic.twitter.com/4gjM8jeQNd

— Kilpin. (@KilpinChronicle) January 26, 2026

Yet, as MN24 write, Andrea Colombo receiving an overall good rating for his management of the match from the Italian media.

Corriere dello Sport gave him a 6.5, praising his focus on the game and his handling of the cards. The newspaper claimed that the referee didn’t let anything go, making clear and confident decisions. The decision to award a penalty for Bartesaghi’s handball was clear.

Furthermore, the Rome-based CorSport even state Maignan’s yellow card was deemed justified for his attitude towards Colombo, who urged him to take his place in goal.

Tuttosport gave Colombo a 6, confirming the correctness of the penalty on Bartesaghi, but also noting that some decisions displeased both teams.

La Gazzetta dello Sport also awarded Colombo a 6.5, praising his handling of key moments, such as the penalty for a foul on Bartesaghi. The newspaper confirmed that Pulisic’s handball did not justify the penalty.

The paper also praised his consistency in the yellow card given to Modric, which was considered harsh but legitimate. Furthermore, the handling of Rabiot’s yellow for a reckless challenge on Svilar was deemed correct.