Serie B side Genoa have announced Manolo Portanova is not in the squad for tomorrow’s match against Ascoli, as the controversy continues over how to deal with a player during a trial for rape.
The midfielder was found guilty in the first trial for the gang rape along with his uncle and some friends, but the Italian justice system has at least three levels before a conviction is confirmed.
Initially, Genoa had named Portanova in the squad for the fixture with Sudtirol, then on the day left him in the stands, largely due to pressure from their own fans who were furious at the idea of having him representing their squad in these circumstances.
To add insult to injury, Serie B players all took part in a campaign urging an end to violence against women only a couple of weeks ago.
At the start of today’s press conference, interim coach Alberto Gilardino declared: “Portanova will not be called up, so now I only want to talk about the game.”
The other development is now that the first guilty verdict is in, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has opened its own investigation into Portanova.
The player was given an initial six-year prison sentence, but again there are at least another two levels of appeal ahead.
Portanova has continued playing ever since he was first accused of taking part in the gang rape of a student in May 2021.