Milan: Roma officials have hit out at Serie A disciplinary officials for handing a two-game ban to coach Rudi Garcia.
Garcia will watch the Serie A title challengers’ next two league games from the stands after being issued with a two-game touchline ban for reportedly trying to slap a steward at the end of his side’s win at Genoa.
League disciplinary officials issued several sanctions following the weekend’s matches, notably in relation to the Genoa vs Roma fixture, which ended in acrimony after Roma won 1-0 at the Luigi Ferraris stadium to end Genoa’s nine-game unbeaten run.
French coach Garcia was sanctioned for “aggressive and intimidating behaviour”, according to Serie A officials.
But Roma director Mauro Baldissoni called the claims “absurd” and said Garcia could lodge a complaint.
“We are very surprised, but it’s not the first time we’ve been surprised by sports justice decisions,” said Baldissoni.
“We are tired of these disciplinary issues, it seems that Garcia was disqualified on the basis of a statement made spontaneously by a steward of Genoa after the game, and no one saw him do what he has been accused of.
“It is bordering on the absurd. The coach wants to lodge a complaint against this criminal steward, and he is planning to do so right now.
“We have always been cooperative, but if we have to take measures to defend ourselves we will.”
Some incidents at the end of the match were not included in the referee’s match report, prompting league officials to resort to television replays.
Genoa’s Argentinian striker Diego Perotti was given a three-game suspension after he lashed out with a kick at Roma defender Jose Holebas, prompting the German-born Greek international to retaliate on his way into the players’ tunnel.
Holebas was given a one-game ban for his role in the end-of-match scuffles.
