During a post-match press conference on Thursday, an irritated Claudio Ranieri continued criticising UEFA refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti, stating that he ‘also appointed Anthony Taylor’ for the controversial 2023 Europa League Final between Sevilla and Roma.
Ranieri was unhappy with Tobias Stieler’s officiating in Roma’s 1-1 away draw at Porto in the Europa League knockout playoff first leg and made his feelings clear during a post-match interview on Thursday.
Ranieri was particularly critical of former Serie A referee Rosetti, now serving as UEFA refereeing chief.
During a post-match press conference last night, the Italian tactician continued discussing Rosetti’s decisions and Stieler’s officiating.
Ranieri: Rosetti ‘appointed Taylor’ for Final that infuriated Roma and Mourinho
“I’ve already said everything. A friend told me he [Rosetti] appointed Taylor for the [Europa League] final years ago. That says it all. It’s a fact,” he said.
“I know he [Rosetti] is upright, but this is too much. What does he need to prove? He’s a serious person. I don’t understand him.
“He sent a referee who, in 21 matches, saw the away team manage only eight draws while the home team won all the others,” continued Ranieri.
“Just as I know it, so does he. Today, we performed a miracle. It’s not the referee nor Rosetti’s fault, but he needs to be more attentive when appointing the referees.”
Ranieri mentioned Taylor because the English official infuriated Roma and their coach at the time, José Mourinho, in the 2023 Europa League Final, which the Giallorossi lost on penalties against Sevilla.
Roma appealed for a penalty kick for a Fernando handball inside the box in the second half, but Taylor decided otherwise.
Mourinho confronted the referee in the stadium parking lot and called him a “disgrace,” receiving a four-match ban in European matches.
That’s the problem with these coaches and players, they are too hypocritical, too cowardly. What they have in mind they won’t ever say, rather they’ll be rambling the opposite. That’s why Mourinho is truly special, he’ll say it as it is, not minding whose ox is gored.