16.12.2014 22:00 h

Roma slam Garcia sanction, Juve appeal Allegri ban

Rudi García
Rudi García

Roma officials have hit out at Serie A disciplinary officials for handing a two-game ban to coach Rudi Garcia, while Juventus confirmed they will appeal a one-game ban handed to coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Garcia will watch the Serie A title challengers' next two league games from the stands after being issued with a two-game touchline ban for reportedly trying to slap a steward at the end of his side's win at Genoa.

League disciplinary officials issued several sanctions following the weekend's matches, notably in relation to the Genoa v Roma fixture which ended in acrimony after Roma won 1-0 at the Luigi Ferraris stadium to end Genoa's nine-game unbeaten run.

French coach Garcia was sanctioned for "aggressive and intimidating behaviour", according to Serie A officials.

But Roma director Mauro Baldissoni called the claims "absurd" and said Garcia could lodge a complaint.

"We are very surprised, but it's not the first time we've been surprised by sports justice decisions," said Baldissoni.

"We are tired of these disciplinary issues, it seems that Garcia was disqualified on the basis of a statement made spontaneously by a steward of Genoa after the game, and no one saw him do what he has been accused of.

"It is bordering on the absurd. The coach wants to lodge a complaint against this criminal steward, and he is planning to do so right now.

"We have always been co-operative, but if we have to take measures to defend ourselves we will."

Some incidents at the end of the match were not included in the referee's match report, prompting league officials to resort to television replays.

Genoa's Argentinian striker Diego Perotti was given a three-game suspension after he lashed out with a kick at Roma defender Jose Holebas, prompting the German-born Greek international to retaliate on his way into the players' tunnel.

Holebas was given a one-game ban for his role in the end-of-match scuffles.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, was hit with a one-game ban after "stepping out of the coach's enclosure and insulting a match official" during his side's 1-1 draw in Turin with Sampdoria.

Allegri will sit out Juve's visit to Cagliari this weekend, but the club confirmed they will appeal the decision.

"Juventus are to lodge an urgent appeal against the one-match touchline ban handed to Massimiliano Allegri during Sunday's home encounter against Sampdoria," said a club statement.

Garcia will have to watch from the stands when Roma host Milan in their final league match before the winter break this weekend, and then again away to Udinese on January 6 when the league resumes.

Perotti will miss games away to Torino, at home to Atalanta and away to Inter, while Holebas will miss Sunday's home game against Milan.

Genoa 'keeper Mattia Perin will also miss the visit to Torino after being handed a one-game ban for his expulsion during Sunday's defeat.