Director Sean Sogliano implied Verona’s Europa hopes were dashed by the referee against Lazio because “we irritate people.”

Director Sean Sogliano implied Verona’s Europa hopes were dashed by the referee against Lazio because “we irritate people.”

Hellas had fought back twice from a goal down to lead 3-2, but deep into stoppages a penalty was awarded for Michelangelo Albertazzi’s slight push on Miroslav Klose.

Despite Rafael parrying the Stefano Mauri spot-kick, the rebound made the final score 3-3.

“It’s horrible to stop dreaming because of a refereeing error,” Verona director Sogliano told Sky Sport Italia.

“I want to see if that would ever happen to a big club… Perhaps in Italy they don’t like fairytales.

“Don’t worry, we will go back to challenging for positions in the table that suit us, that way we won’t irritate people anymore.”

The race for a top six finish is still extremely tight, as there are now six teams fighting for two places within a four-point radius.

Verona and Lazio are left behind on 53 points, while Parma and Milan have 54, Torino 55 and Inter 57.

There are only two rounds remaining in the Serie A season and if teams finish level on points, the standings are decided by head-to-head records.

Verona forward Juan Manuel Iturbe also added his voice to the protest, writing on Twitter: "Shameful!!!!"

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