Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool – Man City Owned Star Adds Voice To Widespread Outrage At Felix Zwayer: “One Of The Softest Penalties I’ve Ever Seen”

Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji offered his assessment of Felix Zwayer’s controversial penalty decision in last night’s match against Liverpool.

Speaking to CBS Sports via FCInter1908, Akanji criticized the German referee for awarding a soft penalty.

Despite battling illness on Monday, Manuel Akanji still made Inter’s starting XI yesterday.

Furthermore, the Manchester City loanee put in a strong performance against familiar opposition.

Indeed, Akanji faced Liverpool numerous times during his trophy-laden stint at the Etihad Stadium.

Even after coming off a tough week physically, he showcased his experience and composure at the back.

While Akanji reigned supreme, his defensive teammate, Alessandro Bastoni, fell short of expectations.

The 26-year-old gave away a cheap penalty, though much of the blame goes to referee Felix Zwayer.

Bastoni did pull Florian Wirtz’s shirt inside the box, but it was hardly enough for a penalty.

However, Zwayer thought otherwise after reviewing their duel with VAR despite initially allowing the play to continue.

Manuel Akanji Blasts Felix Zwayer After Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool Loss

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Match referess Felix Zwayer looks on during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and Villarreal CF at Old Trafford on September 29, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Akanji admitted that there was a minor contact between Bastoni and Wirtz, but he insisted it was nowhere near enough to warrant a penalty.

Moreover, he slammed his clubmate for even giving Zwayer a reason to consider awarding the spot-kick.

“Bastoni pulls the shirt, but it’s a light hold,” Akanji said. “Obviously, if you watch everything in slow motion, it all looks much worse than it actually is.

“The player is moving away from the goal, and Bastoni just tugs his shirt a little.

“It’s one of the softest penalties I’ve ever seen. In the end, we also have to be honest.

‘We can’t put ourselves in a position to even give the referee the chance to award a penalty like this.