Lecce coach Marco Giampaolo has been fined €5.000 following a plea bargain agreement reached between the parties, pursuant to Article 126 of the Code of Sports Justice (CGS).
The same sanction was also imposed on the Salento club , on the basis of objective liability . The disciplinary measure was issued following the statements made by Giampaolo at the end of the Lecce-Udinese match , played on February 21st and valid for the 26th matchday of Serie A.
During his regular post-match interviews, the coach had expressed opinions deemed damaging to the prestige and reputation of referee Kevin Bonacina and VAR official Marco Guida , indirectly implicating the entire refereeing establishment. The sanction was based on a violation of Articles 4, paragraph 1, of the Code of Sports Justice and 37, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Technical Sector Regulations , both independently and in relation to Article 23 of the CGS.
It's strange that a coach like Giampaolo who has experience can make such strong statements against the referee, perhaps they should be more careful about what they say to avoid sanctions, but I understand that the pressure is high.
I find the sanction exaggerated, I don't understand why coach Giampaolo has to pay such a high sum for his words. After all, it's just an opinion and he shouldn't be punished for it.
Yes, but words have weight and if they harm someone, it is right that there are consequences. We must maintain respect in the world of sports.