Pescara defender stirs up referee storm

Pescara defender Christian Terlizzi has claimed that referee Carmine Russo told him that he would send him off at the first opportunity.

The Italian Football Federation have launched an investigation into the accusations that stem from the 32-year-old's red card in the 3-0 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico at the start of the month.

Terlizzi was adjudged to have brought down Rolando Bianchi inside the penalty area after just 10 minutes.

However, the once-capped Italian international said that he was forewarned of a red card by the referee before the match.

"Before the match with Torino, he said he'd send me off at the first chance," Football Italia has quoted Terlizzi as saying. "And that is precisely what happened. There was a penalty, I accept that, but there was no need for the referee to pull out the red card.

"Everyone talks about helping the referees, but if these things happen then it all becomes more complicated.

"Players often insult the officials without receiving any sanctions. They pick and choose who they punish."

Pescara lie 16th in Serie A, just two points above the drop zone after five games.