Crying keeper Sergio forced to play on
Reuters - Wednesday 22 September 2010, 22:02
MILAN - AS Roma's tearful goalkeeper
Julio Sergio was forced to play on despite a serious injury in
Wednesday' 2-1 Serie A loss at Brescia, where the visitors were
so appalled by the officials they plan a formal complaint.
Up-for-sale Roma, last season's runners-up, have yet to win
this term and felt luck was truly against them in the northern
city when the Brazilian went down clutching his ankle after a
late challenge he was booked for.
After five minutes of treatment the goalkeeper gingerly got
to his feet and was told to play on during the lengthy injury
time because Claudio Ranieri had used all his substitutes.
The agony was so much that the Brazilian was in tears but
reports say he has not broken his ankle but tweaked ligaments.
It was the end to another frustrating night for Roma, who
thought they were denied at least two clear penalties and
believed Philippe Mexes won the ball outside the box when a
spotkick was awarded to the hosts.
"It's not anger, it's something more. We will forcefully ask
that the officials are suspended, in 21 years of football I've
never seen five episodes like that," Roma sporting director
Daniel Prade said in a hastily published statement.
Ranieri worked wonders steering cash-strapped Roma to the
brink of almost snatching the scudetto off Inter last season but
media speculation is already linking former Italy coach Marcello
Lippi with his job.
Prade denied any moves were underway to replace the Roman.
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