Empoli striker Massimo Maccarone believes that the 'referee changed the game' in his side's 4-0 defeat to neighbours Fiorentina.
The Captain then apologised to fans after the team had 'started well' but ultimately capitulated in their home match with the Viola.
"The score unfortunately made the difference and for this I apologise to the fans," Big Mac told the Press after the game. "The match against Fiorentina was an important game for us and we wanted to do well.
Empoli striker Massimo Maccarone believes that the 'referee changed the game' in his side's 4-0 defeat to neighbours Fiorentina.
The Captain then apologised to fans after the team had 'started well' but ultimately capitulated in their home match with the Viola.
"The score unfortunately made the difference and for this I apologise to the fans," Big Mac told the Press after the game. "The match against Fiorentina was an important game for us and we wanted to do well.
"I’m sorry to have conceded four goals, even if we started well and the situation regarding the clear sending off could have changed the balance of the game."
Nenad Tomovic was only given a yellow card on 36 minutes for what appeared to be a last man foul, at which point Fiorentina were only leading 1-0.
"The match was finished after the second goal. Fiorentina were good and fortunate to have scored, then they made two more on the break.
"In comparison to other defeats we created more and there were chances to equalise or win this game but events turned against us. We must continue to work to improve.
"The referee had a yellow in his hand for Tomovic, we asked for red because they considered him to have committed a last man foul.
"Afterwards the referee asked for help from his colleagues to confirm the decision.
"Without taking anything away from Fiorentina I think the game was decided by the referee when he decided not to send Tomovic off."