Valencia President criticises EL referee

Valencia President Amadeo Salvo has hit out at the officiating during his side’s 2-0 Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat by Sevilla.

Sevilla’s opening goal, scored by Stephane Mbia, should have been flagged for offside. That it wasn’t has seen Salvo aim a broadside at the officials, Marca has reported.

“Valencia and Sevilla are two great teams and deserve at least a level of consistent refereeing on the field,” Salvo said.

“Clearly he was offside, not just in the first motion but in the second.

“I can understand a misunderstanding or a mistake in a fast game but not in this case, in a static situation, in which the linesman stayed in place and looks to have a clear view.”

Salvo suggested that UEFA should look at striking the officials from the list and said he isn’t concerned about a reprisal from the governing body.

“It’s impossible for there to be more retaliation after today. We can’t be harder hit than in a game,” Salvo added.

“The tie is still open, of course, because Valencia has played a very serious game except in the five minutes after going 1-0 down when we were a little low.

“It’s not that I believe in the comeback. We’re going to be in Turin, the host of the final.

“We have to play 90 minutes at Mestalla and believe in this team, in the Coach and in the fans.

“It hurts to lose like that but keep your head up. You are Valencia and we have 90 minutes to play them to be in Turin.”

Tags Amadeo Salvo
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