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| Stark defends Pazzini red |
Friday 3 April, 2009 |
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Referee Wolfgang Stark stands by his decision to send off Italy striker Giampaolo Pazzini for an elbow against the Republic of Ireland.
The Azzurri were reduced to 10 men after just four minutes in Bari on Wednesday night when in-form hitman Pazzini was given his marching orders.
Although the contact with Manchester United defender John O'Shea appeared to be accidental, Stark has no regrets about dismissing the Sampdoria star.
“Of course I have watched the TV images and they confirm that I made the correct decision,” Stark maintained in the Corriere dello Sport.
“I wasn't wrong. FIFA's rules are pretty clear on this - elbowing an opposition player in the face is worthy of a red card.
“I can also honestly say that I didn't base my decision on the fact that I saw blood on the Irish player's face.
“I understand Marcello Lippi's frustration, but things like this happen and I had to send off the culprit.”
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Gallery: The luck of the Irish
Giampaolo Pazzini was cruelly sent off and Robbie Keane struck late as Italy drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland. Gallery |
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