The Italian newspapers felt referee Tobias Stieler 'changed the game' when he sent Remo Freuler off in the first half of Atalanta vs. Real Madrid last night.
But it was the first-half incident involving the French full-back that makes the headlines.
The Italian newspapers felt referee Tobias Stieler 'changed the game' when he sent Remo Freuler off in the first half of Atalanta vs. Real Madrid last night.
But it was the first-half incident involving the French full-back that makes the headlines.
La Gazzetta dello Sport writes the red card after 18 minutes ‘changed the whole game’ and doesn’t agree with the decision, as ‘the Frenchman only faces Pierluigi Gollini but seems to be going away from goal’.
Tuttosport writes the red card for Freuler was ‘excessive and left Gasparini’s men outnumbered. The most obvious mistake on a low-spirited evening’.
Corriere dello Sport adds that Stieler didn’t make the most of his opportunity at the elite in Europe, pointing at several errors during the game and of course the discussed red card decision.
“Unconvincing, especially on the disciplinary, and leaves the unpleasant feeling of understanding which way the wind is blowing,” the newspaper wrote.
Referee Stieler’s ratings in the Italian sports pages
Tuttosport: 4,5
Il Corriere dello Sport: 4,5
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 4