Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Explore Channel4
Food
4Homes
4Car
News
Sport
See All
-



Pandev: Roma wanted a brawl
Saturday 11 April, 2009

Goran Pandev accused Roma's players of “spoiling for a fight” in the extremely tense Derby della Capitale.

“It's a shame to see the tension that dominated this game, as we were both fired up and wanted to win, but that's the derby for you,” said Pandev.

“The Roma players were spoiling for a fight and tried to turn it into a brawl. Perhaps it's because they were so annoyed and bitter at the match they were losing.”

The Lazio striker opened the scoring in his team's 4-2 victory, but the game was marred by three red cards for Christian Panucci, Philippe Mexes and Francelino Matuzalem.

There was also an argument between Roma boss Luciano Spalletti and Lazio team manager Igli Tare, while there were scuffles between sets of fans and police after the match in the streets around the stadium.

Aleksandr Kolarov was also on target with a counter-attack from one end to the other and took a more gentle approach to the encounter.

“I am very happy for my team and the fans. I believed in the goal right to the end. I skipped past a few opponents and then tried with my weaker right foot.

“Thankfully we got the win, as we really needed that and we can begin again from this result. We are a very strong side with heart and can aim for Europe.

“The tension was natural, as this is a derby and there's always going to be that frisson. It happens.”

Spalletti-Tare row escalates
Luciano Spalletti was sent off for a scuffle with Igli Tare during the derby and accused the Lazio team manager of “threatening” him. More

Wk31: Inter stunned by comeback
Inter were cruising, but in three minutes lost a 2-0 lead against Palermo! Milan conquer Chievo and Fiorentina go fourth. Reports

Derby: Lazio take six-goal thriller
Lazio came out victorious 4-2 in a tempestuous Rome derby with three red cards, six goals and plenty of drama. More



Contact us:
fieditorial@channel4.com


Pictures: Richiardi (Milan)
& Getty Images (UK)


All material on this website is © C4 & JDT Sports Productions. All rights reserved.Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of C4.
Republication or redistribution of content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Channel 4 © 2009. Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of external websites.