Rasmus Hojlund was on target in Napoli’s 2-2 draw with Hellas Verona, but the Manchester United loanee’s goal was controversially ruled out for an alleged handball in the build-up to the strike
Rasmus Hojlund has voiced his anger on social media following his disallowed goal during Napoli’s 2-2 stalemate with Hellas Verona on Wednesday. The Manchester United loanee found the net with a stretched finish, but the strike was overturned after replays appeared to show the ball making contact with his arm during the build-up.
Expressing his disappointment on Instagram, Hojlund posted clips of the controversial moment and commented: “Didn’t even touch the ball with the hand. Well, we go again on Sunday. Forza Napoli sempre,” accompanied by a blue love heart and prayer emojis.
Following the match, Antonio Conte voiced his exasperation, stating: “Hojlund’s goal was disallowed because I don’t know where he should have had that arm. We have to accept them and we accept them.”
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La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that referee Simone Sozza and the VAR team have subsequently been suspended, despite the match decisions being ‘deemed correct.’
Napoli found themselves trailing 2-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona before Scott McTominay reduced the deficit, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo ultimately salvaging a point in the 82nd minute.
McTominay broke his longest Serie A scoring drought, a nine-match barren spell since arriving at Napoli in 2024, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.
Conte acknowledged his team’s underwhelming first-half display, whilst commending their resilience as the match unfolded.
“In the first half there were two negative episodes for us, we could have done better,” the Italian manager added. “On the penalty there was a somewhat peculiar assessment… But we accept it.
“These two episodes could kill anyone. In the second half we were good at putting our heads on our shoulders.
“We had the strength to score two goals, and that’s what counts.”
Hojlund has netted six times and provided two assists in 14 Serie A outings this campaign, though he couldn’t add to his tally on this occasion after having a goal disallowed.
Napoli possess a €50million (£43.6m) option to make the transfer permanent when the loan concludes, which becomes mandatory if they secure Champions League qualification this season.
Nevertheless, all signs point to Hojlund making the switch permanent irrespective of circumstances.
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