Coaches defend Zalayeta Tuesday 30 October, 2007
Refereeing designator Pierluigi Collina condemned the trial by television, while several top tacticians say Marcelo Zalayeta should not have been banned for diving.
Official Mauro Bergonzi was pilloried in the media this week after he awarded two highly controversial penalties to Napoli in their 3-1 victory over Juventus.
The video images of the incidents were replayed endlessly and picked apart by pundits calling for Bergonzi to be suspended or even fired.
“If a referee is criticised for what is seen on the television, then there is something deeply wrong,” said Collina.
“The official has to go on to the pitch and make split-second decisions. What you see on TV is completely different, in slow-motion and from every angle.”
The incidents at the San Paolo also prompted calls for video evidence to be used during a football match, as it already is in rugby.
“This is a very complicated matter. We would need a single, unified instrument for everyone, otherwise we risk the rules being dictated by the television companies and not by what’s happening on the field.”
That same video evidence was used to hand Zalayeta a two-match ban for simulation when earning Napoli’s second penalty against Juventus, but many Coaches have rushed to his defence.
“It is right to punish divers and those who behave inappropriately, but in this case we have to be careful, as I think Zalayeta was only trying to jump over his old teammate, Gianluigi Buffon,” insisted Roma boss Luciano Spalletti. - They are not that old teammates, and if they were good temmates than Zalayeta should said something or at least to apologise
“I consider it an injustice to ban the Napoli player, irrelevant of whether it was a penalty or not,” added Inter’s Roberto Mancini. - Hhaha, now after he cant blame us for cheating, he is jumping to cheaters defense. Really pathetic (I dream about of winning against Inter from non-existing penalty)
“I don’t believe he simulated, because a player who is running at top speed in a situation like that has to jump or he risks really hurting the goalkeeper. It is a very serious incident.”
Carlo Ancelotti was particularly harsh on the Disciplinary Commission’s two-match ban for Zalayeta.
“This is an incomprehensible decision,” said the Milan tactician. “It is right to battle against simulation, but not like this, otherwise it becomes ridiculous.- This is coming from a coach who have three most fameous divers in Italy, or better to be said in Europe (Dida - Celtic, Gilardino - Celtic, Pippo - every club). I would like to see how mastermind Ancelotti would solve this problem.
“The case should never have even been considered. The striker jumped to avoid Buffon and an impact that could have been very dangerous. I see referees very determined nowadays and not at all open to dialogue. I have noticed this detachment from the officials to the players and Coaches and believe it was ordered to them by the designator
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