Tuesday April 3 2012
Nicchi: No Robinho goal


The Rossoneri yesterday wrote a letter to the Italian FA (FIGC) - that they posted on their website - asking for goalline referees to be introduced in reaction to what they claimed was a legitimate goal not being awarded on Saturday.

Robinho saw a second-half effort cleared off the line by Catania defender Giovanni Marchese, with replays proving inconclusive as to whether or not the ball completely crossed the line.

However, head of referees Nicchi, in responding to Galliani’s request, is sure that it was not a goal.

“Up until [Sulley Muntari’s missed goal] in Milan-Juve there was little to discuss,” Nicchi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We all saw it, I was at the stadium, it was a plain mistake and the first thing we did was to study how this could happen. It’s like when the goalkeeper misses a save, an attacker a goal or a tackle that becomes crucial.

“Catania’s episode, however, is different. Robinho’s goal was not there - no-one can prove that it was a goal. We are talking about something that does not exist, the ball never entered the goal, I strongly support that it was not a goal.”

Nicchi welcomed the proposals for goalline technology and extra match officials to stand behind the goals.

“Referees accept the criticism because it gives strength to them to keep on working and to improve themselves.

“When a referee is wrong, they respond like a football player. They don’t throw away their shoes, they go out there and regain strength both physically and psychologically. The referees are a team of great value that is trying to always do better.

“We apply the rules that are there and if you want to take a step forward to help referees with technology, we are the first to welcome it so we can avoid any discussion. As for goalline officials, we have always been favourable to this because more eyes can see more.”
