Referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has admitted he “made a mistake” in disallowing Luca Toni’s goal against Romania despite UEFA claiming he was right to rule the goal offside.
The Italy striker scored a perfectly legitimate goal on the stroke of half-time when the scoreline was still blank, but it was ruled out despite Paul Codrea keeping the Bayern Munich man onside.
Italy felt aggrieved and they were furious with the decision which may end up costing the Azzurri their futures in the tournament.
The ref has now put his hands up and he admits the goal should have stood.
"There is nothing to discuss. I made a mistake on Toni’s goal and I said the same to the UEFA Commission," said the ref.
FIGC President Giancarlo Abete had asked for a public apology from UEFA but so far the football authority has refused.
UEFA have stood by the decision to chalk off the goal and they reportedly explained that the referee was right to disallow it.
This is now looking like a farcical situation as on one hand the referee is saying it was wrong to disallow it and on the other, the governing body on European football is insisting that it was right.
UEFA have plenty of explaining to do as the referee's comments are likely to cause even further controversy.
Salvatore Landolina
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