Giampiero Pinzi admits he was confused during the controversial scenes after Roberto Pereyra’s goal and a ‘phantom whistle.’
Giampiero Pinzi admits he was confused during the controversial scenes after Roberto Pereyra’s goal and a ‘phantom whistle.’
Udinese were 1-0 up with around 13 seconds left of stoppages when a triple whistle was heard coming from the stands.
Some Lazio players believed it was the referee and stopped, but Pereyra continued and fired into an empty net, prompting chaotic protests with pushing and shoving on the touchline for several minutes.
“I heard a whistle from the crowd. The Lazio players suddenly stopped and thought it was the referee,” Udinese midfielder Pinzi told Mediaset Premium.
“Pereyra continued and perhaps had realised it wasn’t the official. In all honesty, I’m not sure what the rule book states in these cases, but the game would’ve finished with that move anyway.
“It’s a shame there was this mark on the night after a great performance.”
Udinese now catch Lazio, Napoli and Inter on 55 points, all of them level in the third Champions League spot.
“We had to give it all we had tonight and played a great game, allowing nothing to Lazio. Now we are one of four teams challenging for the important stage of the Champions League.”