Gianluca Rocchi admits he could have handled Roma’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Juventus better, but is adamant it won’t affect his career.
The official was criticised heavily for some of his decisions in the match, a game in which he awarded three penalties and sent off two players.
Gianluca Rocchi admits he could have handled Roma’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Juventus better, but is adamant it won’t affect his career.
The official was criticised heavily for some of his decisions in the match, a game in which he awarded three penalties and sent off two players.
In the wake of the game, elements of the Italian media insisted that Rocchi should never have been awarded the game in the first place, and the tie should instead have been refereed by Nicola Rizzoli.
Rocchi admits he understands the reaction, but points out that he’s managed the fixture before without incident.
“There’s nothing strange about people saying that Rizzoli should have been selected for this game,” the official told ‘Il Processo del Lunedi’ last night.
“He’s a colleague who I respect a lot, the best in the world.
“I'm sorry, because it appears I was not able to do it in this game, but when I’ve experienced games like this before I have.
“It’s not the first time I’ve refereed Juventus-Roma, and fortunately the other times have gone a lot better.
“I’m sorry my performance wasn’t the best, I could have done better and I feel sorry for the people who entrusted me with this game.
“Honestly, I was very upset to hear some opinions which were not flattering about the designation.”
After the match, Roma captain Francesco Totti was scathing, claiming that Juventus ‘should have their own League’. Rocchi however made clear that he doesn’t favour any side over another.
“When I referee Juventus, I referee the team like I do all the others.
“This is backed up by my record. My goal is to be as balanced as possible, and I absolutely do not look at the colour of the shirt.
“This game will not affect my career.”
Rocchi also implored the world of calcio to heed the words of Roma President James Palotta who called for calm heads, while insisting he had no choice but to send Roma Coach Rudi Garcia to the stands for his ‘violin’ gesture.
“I want to emphasise the words of Roma’s President, because he asked for people to tone it down and I think that’s the right attitude.
“Garcia’s violin? It’s a gesture which we cannot tolerate, not by the rules.
“I was disappointed at the time, because I never like to send a Coach to the stands, especially in a game like that, but I thought it was right to do so.
“I’m there to apply the rules, and it’s not possible to allow certain attitudes.”