Cagliari set to appeal punishment

Cagliari are set to appeal against the 3-0 walkover victory handed to Roma after Sunday's Serie A game was cancelled.

Last Updated: 25/09/12 at 18:39 Post Comment   

Cagliari: Handed 3-0 walkover defeat against Roma

Cagliari: Handed 3-0 walkover defeat against Roma

Cagliari are set to appeal against the 3-0 walkover victory handed to Roma after Sunday's Serie A game was cancelled in controversial circumstances.

On Saturday, club president Massimo Cellino defied local authority orders to exclude fans from the Is Arenas due to ongoing safety concerns, instead instructing season-ticket holders to flock to the new Quartu Sant'Elena stadium regardless.

As a result, the Cagliari Prefecture and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) called the match off and awarded Roma an automatic 3-0 win with FIGC president Giancarlo Abete branding Cellino's behaviour "unacceptable".

But on Tuesday Rossoblu director general Francesco Marroccu pledged his support to the Miami-based president, who also served on the council of the now-defunct Lega Calcio.

Quoted in the Gazzetta dello Sport, Marroccu told reporters: "We want to send a message of solidarity to president Cellino and urge him to continue his battle.

"We want to make clear that the directors would never let ourselves be represented by someone who does not respect the rules.

"Our club has never been involved with match-fixing scandals or false passports, but now that seems to have been forgotten.

"I had the opportunity to attend Lega meetings with the president and I can confirm that great respect emanates from a person who has done a lot for football, always in full respect of the rules and authorities.

"The president has been attacked by everybody and, because of what happened in one day, Cagliari are seen as a band of thieves and that's not fair.

"I also want to express my support for the team and the coach who are going through a difficult time."

The league were able to impose such a punishment on Cagliari by referring to Article 17 of the Federcalcio rule book.

It reads: "Clubs are responsible for the fact that any acts interrupting the smooth running of a game can be punished with the loss of that match with a scoreline of 0-3 awarded."

After Monday's decision was reached, the league explained their position, saying: "The resolution is to sanction Cagliari with the loss of the match with a score of 0-3 (zero to three), also providing the transmission of a copy of the records to the Federal Attorney General of jurisdiction over the conduct of the President of the Company."

The Sardinian club's lawyer, Mattia Grassani, also sought to convey Cellino's determination to reverse the league's decision.

He told the Corriere dello Sport: "I've spoken at length with the president and he's fiercely determined to defend himself and explain what happened.

"It's important to clarify the context of the club's declaration on Saturday afternoon.

"The president also told me that, so he could best offer an explanation and clarify (the situation), he will come to Italy as soon as possible."

While the club's hierarchy deal with the fall-out from Sunday's unprecedented events, Massimo Ficcadenti and his players turn their attentions to facing AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday night.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Kris Commons retires from international duty with Scotland

Kris Commons has retired from international duty with Scotland to 'concentrate on his family and on club football'.

Transfer news: Samir Nasri staying with Manchester City despite links to PSG

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri insists he wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Premier League: Chelsea defender Gary Cahill would welcome Jose Mourinho

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill would welcome the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved