Frosinone President Maurizio Stirpe “couldn’t care less about how you judge us” after Palermo appealed to have their promotion blocked for unsporting behaviour.
The Canarini lost the first leg 2-1 after taking an early lead, but due to a superior regular season finish, a win by any result this evening would secure promotion.
It was an ill-tempered and controversial match with nine yellow cards, a red off the bench, a Palermo penalty that was given and then revoked.
Frosinone President Maurizio Stirpe “couldn’t care less about how you judge us” after Palermo appealed to have their promotion blocked for unsporting behaviour.
The Canarini lost the first leg 2-1 after taking an early lead, but due to a superior regular season finish, a win by any result this evening would secure promotion.
It was an ill-tempered and controversial match with nine yellow cards, a red off the bench, a Palermo penalty that was given and then revoked.
Above all, in stoppages Frosinone players on the touchline repeatedly threw spare footballs on to the pitch in order to break up the play and waste time.
It was after this that Frosinone got their second goal to win 2-0 on the counter-attack. With 90 seconds still left to play, there was a pitch invasion and the game never resumed.
Palermo have now said they will send in a written appeal to have tonight’s result frozen pending an investigation into unsporting behaviour, effectively accusing Frosinone of cheating.
“We’re in Serie A and this time we’re here to stay,” assured Stirpe on Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ll make the necessary efforts to remain in the top flight, as it’s important for the city, the area and the club. The Coach deserves credit, as he always believed, as did the directors, players and fans.
“Moreno Longo would’ve remained as Coach even if we hadn’t been promoted. For the rest, I think any kind of consideration is premature.”
However, when asked about the unsporting behaviour of throwing loose footballs on to the pitch, Stirpe’s attitude changed.
“We won 2-0 anyway. You can’t cling to these things, because Frosinone deserved the victory throughout the season, both on and off the field.
“They might’ve made a mistake and I apologise, but for once I want to focus on our hard work and a great victory. I couldn’t care less about how you judge us.”
Ma dai ma che robe si stanno vedendooo #FrosinonePalermo pic.twitter.com/vUMxN5RGJ4
— delinquentweet (@delinquentweet) June 16, 2018