Catania chief rues Juve luck
Catania President Antonino Pulvirenti was disappointed with Juventus’ late penalty award, but he refused to criticise the officials.
The Elefanti had been minutes away from a historic first win over the Old Lady in 43 years, but Alessandro Del Piero converted a controversial penalty in injury time.
The fans at the Stadio Massimino reacted furiously to the decision to give a spot-kick, as it seemed Marco Biagianti played the ball when he tripped Del Piero.
“The penalty that they were awarded left a bitter taste, but I’m not calling the referee’s honesty into question,” Pulvirenti stressed.
“There were mistakes yesterday from the referee, but I think that the officials are having a good season.
“We are relaxed because humans make mistakes – there isn’t the same venom and suspicion that there was in calcio.
“Pierluigi Collina is working well with the young referees who are very good and without fear.”
As the players shook hands during the 'terzo tempo’, sections of the Catania support chanted “thieves” at the Juventus team and Pulvirenti refused to condemn their reaction.
“You can’t gag the people,” he insisted. “On the whole is was a great day of sport and it confirmed what good fans we have.”
It was also a positive start to 2008 for Catania as they look to maintain their position in mid-table.
“We were close to victory. We have secured some prestigious wins at home, such as our triumph over Palermo,” Pulvirenti said.
“We have to improve on the road, but we are having a positive season.”
Catania’s next task is an equally demanding trip to Roma’s Stadio Olimpico.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jan14d.html
those fans are calling juventus thief and catania chief doesnt discuss the offside goal