Marcello Nicchi, President of the Italian Association of Referees (AIA), speaks categorically against the calls for an 'integral draw' of referees.
The protest was kick-started by Lazio President Claudio Lotito, who demanded a revision of the current system in which referees are assigned specifically to certain matches, and asked instead for a random draw.
Marcello Nicchi, President of the Italian Association of Referees (AIA), speaks categorically against the calls for an 'integral draw' of referees.
The protest was kick-started by Lazio President Claudio Lotito, who demanded a revision of the current system in which referees are assigned specifically to certain matches, and asked instead for a random draw.
On from the backing received by Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini and even an opening by FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, Nicchi spoke harshly against the proposal.
“It's certainly not the Lega, much less a club President, who can take such a decision,” he said to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They can submit a request, but it's worth explaining that the decision comes down to the referees.
“And on this subject it's not worth wasting time. Our answer is no. We're never going to do it.
“We have complete trust in our referees and our Coaches.
“Maybe some people have a short term memory and forget what happened last time we had a draw,” Nicchi continued, in reference to the Calciopoli events.
“We take responsibility for the transparency of the process. Of course we may sometimes make a mistake, like a Coach with his players.
“But if we're having a random draw of the referees, we should also have a draw of the teams' starting XI.
“It's absolutely out of the question. I've had my fill with these attacks on the referees.
“Besides, what is this all about, the legitimate sending off of a goalkeeper? [Federico Marchetti in Lazio–Genoa].
“It's not our fault if the rule isn't right. Lotito can go to the International Football Association Board and see if he gets some attention.
“Yesterday night I saw a game in the Premier League and it was something else.
“The ref could hand out red and yellow cards with not a single protest, supporters did their own thing and there were families with children on the stands.
“It was a celebration, completely unlike the battle atmosphere we have on our side. Is this really the football that they want?”