The President of the Italian Referee’s Association has defended Gianluca Rocchi’s handling of the recent Juventus-Roma clash.
The President of the Italian Referee’s Association has defended Gianluca Rocchi’s handling of the recent Juventus-Roma clash.
Marcello Nicchi has today come to the defence of the match official, who has faced criticism for his handling of Juve’s 3-2 victory, suggesting the fallout has been disproportionate.
“We’re used to these kinds of situations, refereeing will always be difficult, but this week has given us cause to think,” AIA chief Nicchi has told Radio1.
“There has been a week of controversy, and I don’t think it’s been good for football.
“I spoke to UEFA and FIFA, and they told me these incidents were close calls, and were not categorised as errors. In another country we wouldn’t even have be talking about the refereeing.”
FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio has contacted FIFA in the wake of the game, as he looks to introduce video replays in Serie A for the 2015-16 season, but Nicchi is cautious to this.
“I’ve been very clear about this. Tavecchio asked me if the AIA [referee’s association] was willing to try it, and don’t rule anything out.
“We have always been the first in the world to try new things, but I don’t think this will solve the problem.
“Moreover, it would require a lot of cameras, is it worth spending all this money on it?”
Nicchi also took the time to speak about when Rocchi may make a return to Serie A refereeing.
“How long will Rocchi stay out for? From an emotional point of view I’d say one game, just as the international organisations we spoke to said, but we must protect referees when they are overexposed by the media.”