Lazio director Igli Tare called the refereeing in their 3-1 defeat to Torino “more than a scandal. We were clearly damaged and we demand respect.”
Lazio director Igli Tare called the refereeing in their 3-1 defeat to Torino “more than a scandal. We were clearly damaged and we demand respect.”
The game turned just before half-time, when Iago Falque’s handling offence in the penalty area was not punished, then Ciro Immobile saw red – via VAR footage – for jerking his head towards Nicolas Burdisso in what was considered to be an attempted headbutt.
“We want clarity on how these incidents are interpreted,” director of sport Tare told Sky Sport Italia.
“Lazio were clearly damaged. We reached this stage without stealing anything, by playing good football and with a team that earned every point.
“We want to be in control of our own destiny without someone given the power to change the game that much. Tonight was a huge scandal, in fact more than a scandal.
“We all saw the television footage and you could see on VAR the penalty incident, but then it was only used on Immobile, despite Burdisso telling the referee that Ciro hadn’t touched him.
“We must stay calm, even if it is difficult, as this was a big chance for Lazio to climb the table. It was a clear handling offence in the area and VAR had to intervene.
“Torino deservedly won the second half against 10 men, but today Lazio were damaged and we demand respect. It can happen to see one or two errors, but if it becomes a habit, then there’s a problem.
“We are not so much angry at the red card as the fact that incident was viewed on VAR, while the penalty was not, even though it was clear.
“We don’t want to lack respect for referees, but they need help too. Here the fate of a club and a team fighting for important objectives is being decided and if you trip up too many times over refereeing errors, it’s an issue.
“The referee only viewed VAR for the Immobile incident and not the penalty, so that is what gives me pause for thought. Everyone saw what happened against Fiorentina and I was suspended for a gesture, but my anger is growing. Then two weeks later, another incident like that.
“We will be stronger than destiny.”