Pallotta 'dying of laughter' after UEFA charges him for referee rant

Roma president James Pallotta is still seething at the officiating during his side’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Liverpool on Wednesday, so is refusing to take his UEFA charge for “improper conduct” seriously.

The American ranted into a camera after the match, declaring that video assistant referees are needed in the competition. He cited several flashpoints from the semi-final second leg which could’ve been called in Roma’s favour, including when a shot from Stephan El Shaarawy was clearly deflected over by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hand.

Liverpool eventually won 7-6 on aggregate, although the scoreline wasn’t reflective of the clear superiority the Reds exerted over Roma during various chunks of the doubleheader, especially in the first meeting.

“I’m surprised by the opening of this disciplinary procedure,” Pallotta told Italian news agency ANSA, as translated by The Associated Press. “For me, it is UEFA’s conduct which is inappropriate. What do I think? I’m dying of laughter.”

Pallotta’s rant was a sorry end to an incredible run by the Giallorossi. The club was expected to be entering a period of transition following the arrival of sporting director Monchi and the departures of key players in Mohamed Salah and Antonio Rudiger. However, the windfall from this unforeseen charge into the Champions League’s final four should put Roma in fine financial shape at the beginning of this new era.

Related: Why Roma has reasons for optimism after deep Champions League run

Roma plays Cagliari, Juventus, and Sassuolo to round off its Serie A campaign, and possesses a four-point cushion in the Champions League qualification places.