Roma-Napoli was a heated battle on the pitch, on the stands, and in the aftermath due to a dispute between Rick Karsdorp and referee Massimiliano Irrati.
ROME, ITALY - MAY 14: Rick Karsdorp of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Venezia FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Roma Fullback and Referee Tangle After Napoli Clash

Roma-Napoli was a heated battle on the pitch, on the stands, with the Giallorossi faithful constantly booing their former coach Luciano Spalletti, and in its aftermath, in particular, due to a dispute between Rick Karsdorp and referee Massimiliano Irrati.

As per Corriere dello Sport, athletic trainer Stefano Rapetti was sent off after the final whistle for berating the official. The fullback was in the vicinity of the action and protesting as well. The two had a head-to-head confrontation, and then the player shoved the referee.

Karsdorp was reportedly fuming because Irrati leaned on his knee, which was sporting a visible icebag. The wing-back didn’t get a red card on the pitch. However, he might still face some discipline depending on what the official wrote on his post-game report and the decision by the sports judge.

The Dutchman drew the start unexpectedly after recovering quickly from a meniscus tear because Nicola Zalewski was a late scratch with an illness. José Mourinho praised him for the gutsy performance.

“I had to do it even though he couldn’t last 90 minutes. He couldn’t sit down at the break; otherwise, his knee would lock up and get too swollen. He stood still for ten minutes.”

The 27-year-old underwent knee surgery on September 20th and was initially given a six-week timetable. Roma should soon welcome back their other right wing-back as well. Zeki Celik is progressing quickly after an MCL sprain and will be back before the World Cup break. He resumed training in limited fashion last week, Tuttomercatoweb informs.

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