2 weeks ago
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Fiorentina’s sporting director Daniele Prade believes that the awarding of the late penalty in AC Milan’s win was ‘scandalous’.
After Robin Gosens had opened the scoring with a close-range finish and Rafael Leao levelled things with a shot from range, there was a controversial incident in the game with eight minutes left on the clock.
Santiago Gimenez went down inside the box holding his face having been pulled back by Fabiano Parisi while trying to get to a loose ball. The referee took a look at it on the monitor, and pointed to the spot, with Leao converting the penalty to seal a 2-1 win.
‘It’s scandalous’
Stefano Pioli and the Fiorentina team’s reaction at full-time showed their thoughts on the call. Prade spoke to DAZN and in a press conference after the final whistle at San Siro and he made his anger at the decision very clear, using some strong words. His comments were relayed by MilanNews.
What feelings do you have?
“I think if VAR has to call out the referee for a serious error, this is a huge mistake by VAR: Marinelli didn’t have the courage to stand by his decision. I can’t describe how we feel; we’re playing for our lives, and we also have to understand that something like this can’t be done. It’s scandalous.
“He stayed down for 20 minutes and didn’t even touch him: almost grotesque, it’s not a good image. Fiorentina played a great game, with heart, and absolutely didn’t deserve to lose in this manner. He fell to the ground in an incredible way.
“Shortly before, there had been a foul on Ranieri, which could have been a red card at that point, but instead he was only given a yellow: the player was left out, and we conceded the goal with ten men. We’re disappointed because our league position is poor, and we didn’t expect it; this isn’t who we are as a team.”
What do you regret not seeing on the pitch?
“If anyone can get us out of this situation, it’s only Pioli. Everything else is my fault. The only criticism can be directed at me: the owners have given me over €90m. What happens on the pitch is a product of the moment: we have a stadium in terrible condition, three away games.
“It’s a strange season, but it’s just beginning; we can do a lot, and we have two competitions to honour. I feel sorry for the president and the fans. If anyone has faith in us, it’s Stefano Pioli; if anyone needs to be sacked today, it’s me.”
What is your position on refereeing?
“A terrible scene, a scandalous penalty. What kind of scene did Ranieri have to make about the foul he suffered from Fofana? A truly scandalous penalty.
“It’s also scandalous that VAR called the referee out, when he should only be called out in the event of a serious error in the penalty area. The team gave it their all. We’re bitter, disappointed, and pissed off.”
Could there be a resignation?
“I’d only say stupid things in the heat of the moment. I’ve already said that if anyone needs to be fired, it should be me. The criticism is fair, because with what I’ve spent, the team can’t stay in that position, and it’s the sporting director’s fault.”
Have you already spoken to the referees?
“What should I say now? Would I be polite now? Better not to go.”
English (US) ·