Stefano Colantuono hit back at Venezia complaints about the referee and the Ethan Ampadu red card, insisting Salernitana ‘deserved’ their victory.
The Lagunari had gone in front through Mattia Aramu, somewhat against the run of play, and the visitors snatched a deserved equaliser through Federico Bonazzoli.
The game changed on 67 minutes when Venezia went down to 10 men, Ampadu inexplicably shown a straight red card for a challenge on Franck Ribery, which referee Marco Di Bello stood by even after viewing the VAR footage.
Deep into stoppages, Salernitana completed the comeback for this relegation six-pointer with Andrea Schiavone.
Venezia were understandably furious and President Duncan Niederauer claimed on DAZN that the refereeing had also gone against them when these sides met last season in Serie B.
“I am not accustomed to talking about referees,” Salernitana coach Colantuono told DAZN.
“I don’t do that when we are damaged by decisions, so I won’t comment on the complaints from our opponents either.
“The Venezia President is free to say what he wants, I respect his opinion and move on. I can concentrate on this very important victory, a head-to-head we could not fail, and we did well not to lose our heads when Venezia went in front with their first shot on goal.
“I liked the way Salernitana played, we created several chances and I saw a motivated squad, intelligent to deal with the various moments of the match and inspired by a super Ribery.
“I feel it was a deserved victory and we can build on the character shown today.”
Salernitana, Colantuono: “Vittoria meritata. Il presidente del Venezia può dire ciò che vuole” https://t.co/F3yp08UMqJ
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) October 26, 2021