Blasphemy ban 'absurd', says Sampdoria coach

Sampdoria coach Domenico Di Carlo has described as "absurd" a one-match suspension handed to striker Nicola Pozzo for blasphemy.

Sampdoria have announced they will appeal the ban handed out by Italian football disciplinary authorities.

Pozzo is said to have used the term: "porco Dio", which roughly means 'fat God', in a hallway some time after Sunday's match at Cesena.

Unless the ban is overturned, he will miss this weekend's clash with Catania.

"It's an absurd ban, not because of what the player said but because of how it came about," said Di Carlo.

"It was 20 minutes after the game in a hallway in the changing rooms with a sandwich in his hand while talking to a team-mate, it's really absurd.

"In these cases you need some common sense."

What is especially galling for Samp is that on the same day, Palermo's Cesare Bovo was heard on TV screaming the same phrase at a linesman during their match against Lazio. He was not reported for blasphemy, and has not been sanctioned.

Posted By: Charles21, Nov 4, 19:09:01