‘Too much.’ Antonio Conte tells referees to think before giving out red cards
Antonio Conte believes referees should think before issuing red cards after he complained about his ban from the touchline for next Tuesday’s Champions League deciding match in Marseille.
After being sent out at the end of Spurs’ thrilling draw with Sporting in midweek for going onto the field and protesting Harry Kane’s late goal being disallowed, Conte will have to watch from the stands and will not be permitted in the dressing room at the Stade Velodrome.
This week, Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League touchline punishment for a red card was overturned, but there is no appeals process for sent-off managers in the Champions League.
“If there is this type of rule, I think the referee should show more attention,” he said. “It’s a pity, especially because I didn’t insult anyone. It was only because I came into the pitch. To be banned only for this is too much.
“I hope next time what happened to me, other referees pay more attention and understand the emotional moment and make the best decision. Yellow card is OK, don’t come into the pitch. But now it’s the past.”
Conte disclosed that he communicated with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on the VAR incident and what he perceived to be a foul on Hugo Lloris in the buildup to Newcastle’s first goal on Sunday.
The 53-year-old has already coached from the stands while suspended as Inter Milan’s manager for a match against Fiorentina.
It is anticipated that he would sit with his brother and pundit Gianluca for Tuesday’s game, as he did for the previous game.
Conte will address the team in the players’ hotel, while assistant Cristian Stellini will be in charge at the stadium. Stellini will also have media obligations that day.
“For sure I don’t like this type of experience,” Conte added. “I hope it will be the last one.”
Before them, Spurs head to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday in search of three points after losing their previous two league games to Manchester United and Newcastle.
Conte, though, hinted at resting players ahead of Spurs’ must-draw match with Marseille to go to the round of 16.
“There is a final on Tuesday,” he said. “This is the difference between the game tomorrow and Tuesday. I try to make the best selection tomorrow because we want a good result.”
Harry Kane has played 99 percent of Spurs’ minutes in all competitions this season, but Antonio Conte has stated that he would not be rested owing to a lack of front-line alternatives.
“There would be a possibility if you had players to play in his place,” the Italian added.
“But if Richarlison and Kulusevski are out, I have to ask the players to play…otherwise we are in trouble. We have two strikers, Harry and Son (Heung-min).
“Every time I ask the availability of the players. I have great respect for them and ask them not to take risks with injuries. Sometimes I ask them if they’re available for tomorrow, sometimes I can decide.
“Harry is OK, he stays well, he wants to play and he gives his availability.”
‘Too much.’ Antonio Conte tells referees to think before giving out red cards
