Juventus goalkeeper’s protest to Michael Oliver – which saw him sent off – may cause unpleasant repercussions for the embattled officials at the lowest levels of football
Heartfelt sympathy is extended to Gianluigi Buffon, of course, railing with much of Italy against the referee Michael Oliver’s last-minute penalty decision which wiped out Juventus’ marvellous three-goal Champions League second-leg comeback against Real Madrid. Oliver, remaining intently officious while the Juventus players circled him in disbelieving outrage, then met Buffon’s excessive protests with a red card, sending the great, giant goalkeeper off in the last match of his epic Champions League career.
It would take a cold heart, maybe, not to support Buffon in his passionate reaction and forgive his outbursts afterwards against the referee. Perhaps, as Buffon said so floridly of Oliver, it would take a rubbish bin for a heart. But then again, maybe not.
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