Atalanta rage at referee: ‘We irritate somebody when we get too high’

Atalanta were again furious with the referee after their 4-4 draw with Torino, suggesting ‘perhaps we irritate someone when we get too high up’ the Serie A table.

La Dea were trailing 4-2 in Bergamo before a Mario Pasalic counter-attack and second Luis Muriel penalty drew them level.

It was a very complicated game for the referee, as Torino also received two penalties, both converted by Sasa Lukic.

Serie A | Atalanta 4-4 Torino: Incredible eight-goal thriller

“We knew Toro would create problems for us and it was a very entertaining game,” Gian Piero Gasperini’s assistant manager Tullio Gritti told DAZN, as the coach once again bailed on his post-match interview duties.

“There was a foul on the first goal, it’s hardly likely our player fell by himself. We got it back on track, but the penalty for Remo Freuler’s challenge was a real stretch.

“It is a euphemism to say we were not pleased with the refereeing this evening. We’ve had to deal with these situations a lot this season and many of them were ignored by the media.

“Perhaps we irritate someone when we get too high up the standings, but we will try to keep going anyway.”

This fixture was postponed on January 6 due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Torino squad.

Atalanta are now in eighth place with 55 points, behind Fiorentina and Lazio on 56 and Roma 58.