Allegri sent off after Roma equaliser as Napoli held to 3-3 draw

Massimiliano Allegri disputed his dismissal in the spectacular 3-3 draw between Napoli and Roma. The coach maintained that he had committed no offence warranting a red card, but his anger after Leonardo Balerdi’s equaliser led members of Napoli’s technical staff to intervene, restrain him and prevent the situation from escalating.

The straight red card was shown on the touchline moments after the referee had allowed Balerdi’s goal, which made it 3-3. The video assistant referee had reviewed the incident and confirmed the goal. Once the review was over, without the referee being called to the screen, Allegri began moving away from the technical area. He then turned back towards the pitch and the fourth official as staff members tried to hold him back.

Davide Bernardi, a touchline correspondent, reported that Allegri had said to fourth official Juan Luca Sacchi: « If you don’t disallow this goal… ». The coach also shouted: « What did I say? Tell me what I said? No, no! » He took off his jacket and appeared ready to throw it, but kept it in his hand.

The dismissal will already affect Napoli: Allegri’s absence from the next match against Monza, scheduled for midweek, is confirmed. His reaction could, however, lead to a suspension lasting longer than one match.

The incident comes with Roma third in Serie A on 18 points after 8 matches, while Napoli are ninth on 11. Roma are unbeaten in their 8 league matches, with 5 wins and 3 draws, and have scored 19 goals while conceding 6. Napoli have 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats, with 13 goals scored and 10 conceded. Over their last 5 Serie A matches, Roma have not lost, recording 2 wins and 3 draws; Napoli have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1.