Referee Nicola Rizzoli insists Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci didn’t headbutt him – “watch the video, it’s clear”.
The official has come under fire after Sunday’s Derby della Mole, with Gonzalo Higuain’s agent claiming he gave “major help” to the Bianconeri.
Referee Nicola Rizzoli insists Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci didn’t headbutt him – “watch the video, it’s clear”.
The official has come under fire after Sunday’s Derby della Mole, with Gonzalo Higuain’s agent claiming he gave “major help” to the Bianconeri.
Torino were incensed that Bonucci wasn’t dismissed for his protests after a penalty was awarded, with images circulating on social media showing the centre-back appearing to headbutt the official.
“Bonucci didn’t give a headbutt, it’s clear,” Rizzoli is reported as saying by Premium Sport.
“If we’re going to be conditioned by a photograph… When you watch the video it’s clear that there’s no headbutt.
“Bonucci was protesting the penalty with [Massimiliano] Irrati who was the additional referee. I took him away. He continued to protest and I warned him for it. It was a normal thing.
“I’m not someone who never thinks about mistakes or never makes mistakes. I think I did everything I could, in the knowledge in certain situations I could have handled things differently.”