«Wrong to attack the referee, but why would the left throw daisies at me? Minister Abodi? A Lazio»- Corriere.it

Taylor? Unworthy arbitration. Mourinho? UEFA has opened an investigation into him, who has football in his blood. A word too many slipped by him… But then, she never said it: “cuckold” to the referee for a mistake?. Maurizio Gasparri, Forza Italia senator and yellow and red ultra, irrepressible on the phone: I’m 66 and I’ve been going to the stadium for 60, this is an unbearable injustice. Three days have passed since defeat of Roma in the Europa League final,
but he still hasn’t diluted his anger over the scandalous refereeing of Englishman Anthony Taylor.

Senator Gasparri, let’s stop for a moment. Let’s start with the most serious episode: in Budapest Taylor was attacked by Giallorossi fans at the airport, together with his family, with his daughter in tears. What do you think?

The very wrong physical assault and I condemn it. For you have to consider the circumstances. Taylor, after what he had done on the pitch, needed to be protected more by the police. Imagine you and I going to Piazza San Giovanni in Rome to a demonstration by the extreme left: do you think they would throw daisies at me?.

I learn that the#UEFA would have opened an investigation against #Mourinho and of #Rome. Rather let them take care of the referee who had an incomparable conduct on the occasion of the recent Rome-Seville final. #2 June

— Maurizio Gasparri (@gasparripdl) June 2, 2023

On Twitter you also complain about the UEFA proceeding against Mourinho….

Rather take care of the referee.

And what is she going to do?

I don’t ask parliamentary questions on this issue, because they are things that make you laugh. However sacred that I give voice to a feeling that is widespread in the city.

Sport Minister Andrea Abodi said defeats do not justify unacceptable language. What does she think?

I have known Andrea for 50 years. Let’s put it this way: his is a comment from Lazio. And if he’s a Lazio fan, then I’m a Roma fan (laughs, ed).

Gasparri, where does this deep yellow and red faith of yours sink?

I was 6 when my father started taking me to the stadium: we went to see both teams. He was a Lazio fan, but I chose Roma. I followed her everywhere. Today I also buy some season tickets which I give away to young fans.

He proselytizes Romanists.

That’s right, that’s right.

More follies for his team?

I’m such a Roma fan that in 1983, the year of the Scudetto, I had to get married. I lived in Rome and she in Milan. The championship went on and at a certain point I understood that we would win the Scudetto. We moved the wedding one week: to May 21, thanks to my wife’s understanding. It also brought luck: we are still together, happy.

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