Gravina warns atmosphere around referees is 'unbearable'

The issue of refereeing is the most hotly debated topic in Serie A, with mistakes affecting the league and the ambitions of its 20 teams. While the Serie A League and the refereeing body have agreed to hold an open discussion, the Italian Football Federation spoke out in defence of officials on Tuesday.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, speaking on the sidelines of the Bearzot Award press conference, said refereeing errors cannot be completely eliminated. "If we think that refereeing errors can be completely eliminated in every match, I can tell you today that that will never be possible," he said, adding that the aim is to work towards the best possible outcome and noting fewer incidents now than in the past.

He also warned of an "unbearable atmosphere" around match officials and urged everyone to regain composure, with small contributions from each party to improve the climate in which referees operate.

Italy

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