Juventus coach Antonio Conte has complained about the performance of English referee Mark Clattenburg, claiming he was not good enough to officiate at their Europa League semi-final against Benfica.
Clattenburg was in charge of Thursday’s second leg, in which Benfica earned a 0-0 draw to eliminate the Italian leaders.
“I didn’t appreciate either the attitude of our opponents or the referee,” said a disgruntled Conte.
“UEFA should show us more respect by sending a referee of the required standard.”
Or, failing that, at least let the Italian side choose their own referee.
Conte was convinced that Clattenburg should have awarded his team a penalty when Benfica captain Luisao appeared to handle Fernando Llorente’s 65th-minute header.
The ex-Italy midfielder, 44, also believes the Premier League referee, who sent off Benfica’s Enzo Perez shortly after the penalty appeal, did not control what he perceived as spoiling tactics from the away side.
“The referee allowed them to obstruct the play the whole game,” said Conte.
“Before the game he told us that he wouldn’t stop play every time a player hit the floor, but that’s what happened.”
Juventus failed to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit with the stalemate against the Portuguese champions. it was a painful result for the Italian champions, not least because the final is to be played at their own stadium.
