Fiorentina general manager Sandro Mencucci warned “the sporting justice system needs reformation” after Juan Cuadrado’s ban.
Fiorentina general manager Sandro Mencucci warned “the sporting justice system needs reformation” after Juan Cuadrado’s ban.
The player received a second yellow card for simulation in the 2-1 defeat to Napoli, when replays clearly show he was kicked in the shin by Gokhan Inler.
Not only were the Viola denied a penalty in the final minutes, but the red card also means Cuadrado will be suspended for tonight’s Serie A game with Milan.
Fiorentina lodged an appeal, but it was rejected because the current rules do not allow for such sanctions to be overturned using video evidence.
“Obviously we are very disappointed,” Mencucci told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is clear for all to see that there was an injustice towards Cuadrado. The suspension just adds insult to injury.
“Everyone admitted it was a mistake, from the refereeing designator Stefano Braschi to the official involved. Nobody asked to replay the game, as that would’ve been ridiculous, but it is not acceptable that there’s no way to make up for such an obvious error.
“If we are faced with a mistake that has been confirmed by everyone – in good faith – and we can’t avoid further unjust punishment then it means the sporting justice system is out of step with the times.
“The system is dated and needs reformation,” continued the Fiorentina general manager.
“We lodged the appeal above all to stimulate an act of courage, a decision that could’ve brought us back to the reality of what happened. That courage was lacking, so there was no justice.
“We’ve been discussing for some time the need to change the rules on video evidence, as the current regulations are out-dated, but nothing ever happens.
“This could’ve been the right moment for the system to show a sign of modernity and courage. We saw neither.”