Calhanoglu Bemoans Officiating After Modric Pokes Fun at Haircut: Wasn’t a Penalty

FolioPitch.com – 07 August 2026 | Calhanoglu bemoans officiating after Modric pokes fun at haircut: Wasn’t a penalty, was the sentiment expressed by Hakan Calhanoglu following the intense friendly derby between AC Milan and Inter, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match, played on Australian soil, saw both teams leave with a share of the spoils after Federico Dimarco’s goal early in the second half and Christopher Nkunku’s late penalty. The penalty awarded to the Rossoneri following contact between Carlos Augusto and Nkunku sparked a storm of protests among the Nerazzurri players, who surrounded the referee, believing he had made an error.

At the end of the match, Calhanoglu spoke to DAZN and expressed his disagreement with the decision made by referee Lachlan Keevers. When asked if they were unlucky with the penalty, Calhanoglu replied, “Let’s put it that way. Everyone saw it wasn’t a penalty, but that’s fine. The referee decided that way, and that’s fine. We did a good job, we’re working hard and putting fuel into our legs.” This sentiment reflects the overall feeling that Calhanoglu bemoans officiating after Modric pokes fun at haircut: Wasn’t a penalty, a point of contention in the match.

The exchange between Calhanoglu and Luka Modric, who had come off the bench and performed very well, was also noteworthy. Modric jokingly commented on Calhanoglu’s new look, which has been a subject of interest since he appeared after the World Cup with a shaved head. This lighthearted moment did little to alleviate the tension surrounding the penalty decision, with Calhanoglu bemoans officiating after Modric pokes fun at haircut: Wasn’t a penalty, still a topic of discussion.

The friendly match, despite its casual nature, highlighted the competitive spirit between the two teams. The controversy over the penalty and the subsequent banter between players, including Calhanoglu bemoans officiating after Modric pokes fun at haircut: Wasn’t a penalty, demonstrate the intense rivalry that exists between AC Milan and Inter. As the season progresses, such matches will be crucial in preparing both teams for the competitive fixtures ahead.

In conclusion, the match between AC Milan and Inter ended with a sense of controversy, particularly regarding the penalty decision. Calhanoglu bemoans officiating after Modric pokes fun at haircut: Wasn’t a penalty, sums up the dissatisfaction expressed by Calhanoglu and potentially other players regarding the officiating. Despite this, the match showcased the skill and determination of both teams, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.