Parma have expressed their “dismay and confusion” after two players were called to appear in court for alleged match fixing.
Emanuele Calaio and Fabio Ceravolo are alleged to have sent text messages to Spezia duo Filippo De Col and Alberto Masi on the eve of the game which sealed promotion, imploring them not to try their hardest.
The pair will appear before a judge in the next 10 days, where it will then be decided if they should be sent to trial.
Parma have expressed their “dismay and confusion” after two players were called to appear in court for alleged match fixing.
Emanuele Calaio and Fabio Ceravolo are alleged to have sent text messages to Spezia duo Filippo De Col and Alberto Masi on the eve of the game which sealed promotion, imploring them not to try their hardest.
The pair will appear before a judge in the next 10 days, where it will then be decided if they should be sent to trial.
The Ducali risk being denied promotion to Serie A if any wrongdoing is found.
“Parma Calcio 1913 learns with dismay and confusion of the Press reports regarding the alleged referral for the alleged violation of Article 7 of the Code of Sporting Justice sent by the Federal Prosecutor to the club and its players Emanuele Calaiò and Fabio Ceravolo for sending text messages to former teammates before the Spezia-Parma match, and would like to make clear the following,” a statement begins.
“We believe that this accusation of illicit sporting activity – if confirmed, given that the club up to now hasn’t received any kind of communication about conduct – is disconcerting.
“We really cannot conceive of how the text and content of the messages in question could possibly indicate such a serious situation, and we’re convinced that those who judge will do so in compliance with the rules, justice and common sense.
“Parma Calcio 1913 continues to have the highest confidence in the Sporting Justice system, but asks that the truth be established as quickly as possible, out of respect for the club and its fans.
“The club – which, we point out, has never been summoned or testified in these proceedings – hopes that, as many details of the investigation have been made public, these text messages can be made public by the Sporting Justice, immediately or at the end of the proceedings, so that all Italian sportsmen can be made aware of their content.
“Already in the recent past Parma Calcio has had to endure significant damage in terms of serious accusations which proved groundless, without receiving any protection.
“In recent weeks we have also witnessed a crescendo of aggressive and insinuating statements by members and executives of other clubs, without ever censuring anyone or lifting a finger. Parma Calcio has never been part of that circus.
“We will continue to stay out of it, but we have no intention of participating in this trial by media, where contrasting news stories emerge every day and the club finds itself learning about the proceedings in question via the newspapers.
“First things first, we just want clarity, justice and respect for the rules.
“Finally, we want to reassure our fans, as we are convinced that the facts absolutely contradict that any illicit act has taken place.
“We’re therefore certain that this affair – which is causing serious technical, commercial and economic damage to Parma – can only be concluded without consequences for Parma Calcio.
“We ask all our fans to stay behind the club, and to this team and the people who compose it.
“They deserve the trust of all of us, for the behaviour they’ve always shown on and off the field since the beginning of our journey.”