Salernitana President Danilo Iervolino hit out at ‘scandalous’ decisions, demanding ‘the substitution of all these referees’ and the resignation of chief designator Gianluca Rocchi.
The club had already been furious at a supposed Federico Gatti foul during the defeat to Juventus, then vented their anger following today’s 2-1 loss to Napoli.
Coach Pippo Inzaghi already protested in the press conference and demanded ‘respect’ for his team, but Iervolino took it much further.
“We want a moratorium and the total substitution of all these referees,” the President told La Repubblica.
“It has now become necessary to loudly call for the resignation of chief designator Gianluca Rocchi. The rot starts from the head.”
Salernitana are bottom of the Serie A table and that is largely because they have fumbled an incredible 15 points from leading situations.
“I have no words for the scandalous and offensive refereeing in this match, which is mortifying for our club,” continued Iervolino.
“There was a penalty on Nwankwo Simy and Diego Demme fouled Loum Tchaouna before the Napoli goal. They are incredible errors.”
DAZN refereeing expert Luca Marelli analysed the various incidents in this match and ruled that there were no significant mistakes.
“We do not just want respect, but justice for us and all the other teams who are challenging to stay in Serie A and are on the end of ridiculous errors from semi-professional referees. They are the only semi-professionals in an industry of professionals.
“What we want is professional referees who can take charge of games. The attitude of the referees is damaging. And then, if you talk about it, they become vindictive in the next match.
“History will remember these officials as the worst in Italian football.”
To mark the midway stage of the season, the AIA (Italian Referees Association) released footage of eight incidents they confirmed were significant mistakes from the officials and VAR.
“I am sure that soon the AIA will release a statement insisting the refereeing in this match was impeccable. We will remember Livio Marinelli for life. Nobody even called us to apologise,” continued Iervolino.
“This industry is damaged by refereeing that puts Italian football in last place for impartiality and trustworthiness. We no longer want these referees. We are evaluating legal action for damages.”
He even suggested Salernitana should join a sort of Super League.
“If a League calls us to play in a different tournament, I will seriously consider it, because this football is sick.”
Iervolino: "Vogliamo la sostituzione totale di questi arbitri e le dimissioni di Rocchi" https://t.co/RswMYwgRHM
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) January 13, 2024