[D-Kin]

Toro fury at 'scandalous' spot-kicks Saturday 19 January, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Torino Coach Walter Novellino and President Urbano Cairo blasted the “scandalous” penalties that gave Fiorentina a 2-1 victory.

“The treatment we receive from referees is incredible,” said the patron after the Stadio Franchi defeat.

“To give two penalties like that, especially the second with Adrian Mutu tripping over his own feet, is shameful and scandalous.”

Mutu earned both spot-kicks, while Vincenzo Grella had temporarily equalised for Toro.

“I am sorry that Fiorentina are put in the middle of this, as they have great fans and we are twinned. I saw the right spirit and determination from my men and if we continue like this and don’t receive shocking treatment from referees, we can get out of this situation.

“From the moment I contested David Trezeguet’s goal in the derby, we have been treated in an incredible fashion.”

Coach Novellino was equally furious after the final whistle of their 2-1 defeat.

“It’s a shame we play a match so well and then get penalised. Today we had everything we needed to bring home a result, but Mutu went looking for the second penalty, which was totally non-existent.

“You cannot do these things, the Coaches then pay the price. I am not afraid of losing my job, but clearly players need to be more professional.

“Are the referees against us? Considering that penalty, Paolo Tagliavento certainly was a little against us. We did not deserve to lose.”

Viola boss Cesare Prandelli tried to calm the waters and insisted the spot-kicks should have been awarded.

“From the bench the first penalty looked like a clean challenge, but they told me on the pitch it was a clear foul. On the second incident Mutu was clear on goal, he had no reason to fall, so in my view it was a penalty,” said the tactician.

“Torino had just one shot on goal, while we created many more chances. We had a bad start, but with Zdravko Kuzmanovic on as a substitute we became less predictable.”

It was a special moment with Christian Vieri scoring his 200th goal with an Italian club.

“There are so many compliments about him, but they are sincere and deserved, he gives so much to the squad.”

Prandelli was in less generous mood with Mutu, who converted the winning penalty with a cheeky chip.

“He’s crazy! When he takes spot-kicks from now on, I’m not looking!”

channel4.com - Football Italia