Zago, Davids And Trezeguet Face Trial By TV
Monday 24th September 2001
Roma and Juventus have backed the use of TV replays at disciplinary hearings, even though it could put Antonio Zago, Edgar Davids and David Trezeguet out of next week's clash.
"If our players are guilty of serious fouls, they must be punished," said Juve general manager Luciano Moggi. "But the harshest judges must be within the club. If the footage shows our players committing serious fouls, then we will acted severely," he added.
Roma president Franco Sensi was - for once - in complete agreement. "TV evidence must be used to obtain a clear and correct judgement," he said.
Juve defender Paulo Montero will certainly miss Sunday's game after being sent off, along with Lecce's Alberto Savino, for scuffling during the weekend goalless draw.
Davids could also be suspended after appearing to strike David Balleri, who may well be banned himself. Trezeguet was heavily involved in the trouble, too.
Roma also took part in a fractious encounter with Fiorentina and Zago could be suspended after seeming to elbow Paolo Vanoli towards the end of the first half in the champions' 2-0 victory.
Referee Messina didn't see the incident, but Zago was withdrawn at half-time by coach Fabio Capello, who said his defender "looked distracted".
"Seeing the pictures, Zago is as guilty as Davids and Trezeguet," Sensi admitted. "Our player is at a difficult moment in his life, with his father being ill, so I can understand it on a human side, but I can't accept it on a professional side."
Capello also supported the use of video evidence. "I have always said that it must be used to punish players and I say it again now. TV evidence must always be used, whether the player is Zago or Montero or Davids."
The rules on TV evidence were changed at the beginning of the season, allowing Maurizio Laudi to make judgements on "facts of violent behaviour that the referee does not see".
