Sports and politics clashed explosively at the end of the Terza Categoria play-off final in Rovigo, between Rivarese and Giovane Italia Polesella, with a series of controversies regarding the refereeing and alleged political interference. After referee Benedetta Fugalli whistled several fouls against Tosini's team, the defeated coach made a surprising accusation: the referee had favored the opposing team because of his political affiliation opposed to that of Tosini's family.
“My father is the PD candidate for mayor in the municipal elections of Rovigo, while she is a candidate with Forza Italia. It was an inappropriate designation”, said the coach, complaining about the denial of two penalties to his team. The controversy has provoked different reactions, with the provincial coordinator of Forza Italia, Piergiorgio Cortelazzo, who defined the accusations “absurd and beyond all logic”, stressing that sporting dynamics should not be confused with politics.
He also suggested that Tosini's statements could damage his father's election campaign. “Nicola Tosini’s statements risk penalizing his father, candidate for mayor, more”, he said. On the other hand, the father and candidate for mayor of the PD, Palmiro Franco Tosini, tried to keep calm, criticizing the refereeing without involving himself in the political controversy.
“Some gross errors weighed on the final result”, he commented, avoiding any reference to the referee's political affiliation. In addition to the political controversy, the match was marked by a heated ending that saw the expulsion of several players, including the Polesella captain for protesting against the referee. Fugalli's report will be crucial for their fate.
Article published on May 15, 2024 - 14:08 pm
