Del Piero Takes Legal Action Over Drugs Slur
Copyright � 1998 Nando.net
Copyright � 1998 Reuters
MILAN (Aug 7, 1998 - 11:24 EDT) - Juventus star Alessandro Del Piero instructed his agent on Friday to start legal action against AS Roma Zdenek Zeman following thinly-veiled allegations of drug use.
Zeman claimed in an interview that drugs were in danger of turning the Serie A into another Tour de France; adding that he was amazed at the muscle development of Del Piero and ex-Juventus star Gianluca Vialli.
Juventus and Vialli both refused to comment on the Czech coach's claims on Friday, but Del Piero decided to counter-attack.
His agent Claudio Pasqualin announced that he be will suing for damages, describing the accusations made in "L'Espresso" magazine as very serious, and damaging for the whole of football.
"Claiming that great champions have become what they are by taking drugs or doping substances is not only false but also irresponsible.
"It's sporting discipline and personal sacrifice that has been the basis of Del Piero's success," Pasqualin said.
"If Mr. Zeman knows something different to that, then he should address himself to the football federation authorities.
"In the meantime, given the unacceptable slur on his reputation, Alessandro Del Piero has already instructed me not only to begin the inevitable legal proceedings, but once permission has granted from the federation, to seek appropriate damages from a civil court."
Juventus are currently at Udine, where they are preparing for Friday night' s three-way tournament of 45-minute matches with Udinese and Inter.
A spokesman for the Turin club said there would be no comment by either Juventus executives or players on the Zeman affair, following a meeting on Thursday night to discuss the issue.
Vialli was meanwhile tackled on the subject as Chelsea's player-manager prepared for Friday evening's friendly against Parma at Palermo.
But he answered the question with a terse: "I'm not going to discuss it."
