Collina defends ref over Juve goal

Referees designator Pierluigi Collina has defended Nicola Rizzoli’s decision to allow Juventus’ controversial goal against Fiorentina.

The Viola were outraged as David Trezeguet seemed to block goalkeeper Sebastien Frey’s vision while standing offside as Vincenzo Iaquinta fired home the opening goal of the game.

Rizzoli allowed the goal to stand claiming that the French striker hadn’t interfered with play and Collina admits that it is a tough rule to apply.

"The only person who could tell us beyond any doubt is Frey as he knows if Trezeguet disturbed him," Collina explained on Domenica Sportiva last night.

"It’s a very complicated situation as if the referee’s assistant had flagged nobody would have said anything, but Trezeguet’s position is only punishable when he disturbs Frey.

"It’s all about the way the rules are interpreted," he continued. "The referee has to make a decision and take responsibility so his discretion plays a vital role."

Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli won plaudits from the calcio community by refusing to question Rizzoli’s verdict.

Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport has studied images from Frey's point of view and believes that the French shot-stopper's view may have been impeded by teammate Alessandro Gamberini.

Slow motion replays also indicate that Trezeguet arrived in front of Frey after the ball had passed him and therefore couldn't have blocked Frey illegally.

Source: C4 Football Italia