Balzaretti: I didn’t insult referee
Thursday 19 April, 2007
Juve defender Federico Balzaretti has denied that he insulted referee Maurizio Ciampi during the match with Rimini on Tuesday.
The youngster was dismissed during the break of the 0-0 draw at the Stadio Olimpico after Bianconeri players questioned the man in ref’s decision not to award a penalty for an apparent foul on Pavel Nedved.
“I protested vehemently, but I did not insult anyone,” Balzaretti told Sky Italia.
“I deny that there was any insult towards the referee or his assistants. I did not badmouth him and made no blatant gestures,” added the stopper.
“I was sent off for our protests in the tunnel. I was set to make my return on the pitch for the second half, but our captain informed me that he had spoken with the referee and that I was not allowed to play anymore,” concluded Balzaretti.
The sporting judge handed a two-match ban to the defender, who will miss the crucial upcoming ties with Genoa and Verona.