Referee could be sanctioned for not shaking hands with his partner

Nathan Rivera

09/10/2023

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The Italian referee Juan Luca Sacchi could be sanctioned with a one-match suspension for not shaking hands with his assistant referee, Francesca Di Montein the locker room tunnel before Lecce-Sassuolo, an image that sparked controversy in Italy despite the explanations of those involved and the Referees Association, who denied any sexist behavior.

Just before the start of Lecce-Sassuolo this Friday, in the locker room tunnel, Juan Luca Sacchi He shook the hand of the Sassuolo captain and when he went to give it to the Lecce captain he misjudged and found himself face to face with his teammate Di Monte, who extended his hand to him.

The main referee returned his greeting to the captain of the local team, leaving his teammate 'hung', who, surprised, showed a half smile given the awkwardness of the moment.

From that moment on they set fire to the networks with the images and criticism of Sacchi, which Di Monte herself tried to stop.

“In the run-up to the game, in the tunnel, the referee greets the captains while we have our moment of greeting on the field before the whistle blows,” Di Monte explained to ANSA on Sunday.

“My face looks shocked and embarrassed simply because I was caught off guard. I regret that a short video is exploited to touch on very heavy topics that require another way of I respect and delicacy. The issue of lack of respect and violence towards a woman touches me very closely, but that is not the case,” she added.

“It is incredible how a case has arisen from this episode. Neither she nor I would have imagined these reactions. Denying a greeting to a colleague “It is a gesture that does not correspond to me at all,” Sacchi declared to the same Italian agency.

Furthermore, the Italian Association of Referees (AIA) itself denied any type of sexist behavior.

“We must absolutely rule out a sexist gesture“, sources from the Italian college of referees told ANSA, “and obviously also a personal insult. "The problem does not exist for us, it was just an involuntary and misinterpreted gesture."

“Both have shown great understanding on the field and their performance has been excellent. It is quite surprising that there is talk of sexism within an association that has made the breaking of all gender barriers one of its main achievements,” said the AIA.

However, despite the refusal of the three parties involved, this Monday several Italian media suggest that the AIA, in addition to a reprimand for not being attentive to these types of details, will leave the referee in the refrigerator for a day for the controversy generated, although there is nothing official at the moment and this weekend there will be no games due to the break for national team matches.

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Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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