Following his dismissal in the goalless draw against Udinese yesterday, Inter coach Antonio Conte has been criticised by former Torino and Italy striker Ciccio Graziani.
Conte was dismissed from the touchline in the closing moments of the Serie A clash at the Dacia Arena after arguing with referee Fabio Maresca’s decision to only add four minutes of stoppage time, before engaging in a heated argument with the official at full time.
His behaviour has drawn condemnation from Italian World Cup winner Graziani, who was appearing as a pundit on Italian television station SportMediaset and covering the match.
The 68-year-old questioned Conte’s attempts to take decisions into his own hands and argue with the referee, whilst advising the tactician to show more respect to the officials following his outburst.
“To Conte I say one thing: if you do not agree with the referee’s decision you cannot try to take it into your own hands,” Graziani declared.
“You must be more respectful, if he gives four minutes you cannot demand eight. Coaches must know to stay in their place and not interfere, we cannot think that referees are making decisions to favour some over others.”
Conte’s red card is likely to see him serve a touchline ban for Inter’s next Serie A match, against Benevento at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday.
