SAMUEL: "I ONLY SPAT ON THE GROUND"
Monday, 22 August 2005 19:12:01
MILAN - After learning of the three-match ban imposed on him by the Lega Calcio Disciplinary Commission on examination of videotape evidence related to the episode that occurred in the seventh minute of the first period of extra time in Saturday's Super Cup match between Inter and Juventus just before a Bianconeri free kick, Nerazzurri Walter Samuel gave a brief interview to Inter Channel and Sky.
Samuel, you have been banned for three matches after the episode that occurred in Juventus-Inter. Can you tell us what happened?
"I think this thing has been made up because I spat on the ground. Spitting at an opponent is something I have never done in my life. In that moment we were talking amongst ourselves and I certainly didn't spit towards Nedved. I think you can also see this from the replay and they told me that even Nedved said nothing had happened. I have never behaved like this since I have been playing football and I certainly do not have any intention of starting now."
But were there a few scuffles between you on the pitch?
"Normal things happened that happen in every match. Nothing in particular happened."
Were you expecting to be involved in a controversy so soon after returning to Italy?
"No, because I think that we did well what we did on the pitch. Now they're looking for an issue. It's something that, to tell the truth, has really surprised me. My teammates told me about it in the dressing room and I couldn't believe it. I'm very surprised because I think this is a non-existent issue. From the replay you can see that I spat on the ground, I never did anything like this towards Nedved or any other opponent."
What's your state of mind at the moment?
"It's not nice to go looking for something after we won on the pitch. My state of mind certainly isn't of the best. The championship starts on Sunday and one wants to be ready."
Inter have said they will appeal. The club is by your side...
"Let's hope the result of the appeal is favourable. It's incredible to look at that reply and get a three-match suspension. An issue has been created, I don't know by who. Maybe because we won."
Agencies, Newspapers and Internet sites can freely reproduce the content shown, quoting the source: Inter.it |