O mio Dio!
Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been given a one match ban for using “blasphemous expressions” after scoring an own goal against Bologna at the weekend.
After TV cameras picked up his profane reaction to his mistake, The Disciplinary Commission agreed on a one match suspension, meaning he will miss Thursday’s game against Torino in Serie A.
The own goal was ultimately meaningless, as Roma had already raced into a three goal lead over Bologna and went on to win 5-1. But the nature of the goal would be enough to make anyone let out some blasphemous cursing. I mean, look at it. Mio Dio.
“The Sports Judge received a formal report from the Federal Prosecutor regarding the conduct of the player Bryan Cristante,” a statement said.
“[Cristante] pronounced a blasphemous expression at the 23rd minute of the first half. The relative TV images acquired and examined, with full technical and documentary guarantee; considering that the player in question was clearly framed by the TV footage while uttering a blasphemous expression, identifiable and audible without margins of reasonable doubt.”
Obviously banning someone for cursing the Lord is ridiculous, but it’s not unprecedented in Italy. Since 2010, a rule has been in place that bans players from taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Back in June of this year, Fiorentina defender Martin Caceres and manager Beppe Ianchini were also punished for blasphemous language after Caceres was given his marching orders for picking up two yellow cards.
Cristante has been a constant presence on Roma’s midfield this season but the Giallorossi should be able to cope without him for one game as they taken on relegation battlers Torino, who won their only league match of the season in early October.
