Ranieri hit with massive UEFA fine after Porto clash remarks

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has been fined €20.000 by UEFA following his critical remarks about referee Tobias Stieler and refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti after his side’s Europa League knockout playoff first leg against Porto.

The Giallorossi drew 1-1 at the Estadio Do Dragao in mid-February, before securing qualification for the last-16 in the return-leg, but the former Leicester boss didn’t hide his frustration at the end of the match, hitting out at the referee.

Ranieri fined heavily by UEFA following referee controversy

Stieler’s controversial calls included two yellow cards for Bryan Cristante, which reduced Roma to ten men, spaking Ranieri’s fury.

The manager suggested that the referee was biased towards the home team, stating that “he was waiting for something to happen to give them victory.”

The 73-year-old’s criticisms extended to Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s refereeing chief, questioning the decision to appoint Stieler for the match.

He pointed out that in Stieler’s previous 22 officiated games, away teams had secured only nine draws, with the rest being home victories.

Ranieri then added, “I’ve already said everything. A friend told me he [Rosetti] appointed Taylor for the [Europa League] final years ago. That says it all. It’s a fact.”

Beyond the €20,000 fine imposed on their manager for his statements, Roma were also fined an additional €11,000 by UEFA for the team’s improper conduct.