Greek newspaper in ‘Mafia’ slur after PAOK are denied last-gasp penalty against Italian side Fiorentina in Europa League clash

A GREEK newspaper made their feelings clear for all to see after PAOK were denied a late penalty appeal was turned down in their Europa League stalemate at Fiorentina.

Arena Press led with the headline ‘MAFIA!’ — a reference to the organised crime groups that fester within Italy.

Arena Press

The suggestion, of course, is that the penalty was rejected due to external forces which influenced the referee.

Although, the accusation is more likely to be aimed at Uefa than Italian criminal organisations.

PAOK’s anger derives from referee Slavko Vincic’s failure to point to the spot after Garry Rodrigues’ cross had struck Fiorentina’s Gonzalo Rodriguez’s trailing hand with just seconds remaining.

Gonzalo Rodriguez (left) was accused of a handball late on in Europa League clash

AP:Associated Press

Reuters

Though, replays show it would have been extremely harsh to award a penalty.

But the Greek press were clearly fuming and made their feelings clear in no uncertain terms.

The Mafia stereotype is deeply offensive in Italy and there may yet be repercussions.

Reuters

AP:Associated Press

Organised crime has been romanticised in Hollywood films such as The Godfather and TV series like The Sopranos.

However, it remains a serious issue in the Mediterranean country.

Fiorentina and PAOK are joining in Europa League Group J by Qarabag and Slovan Liberec who drew 2-2 in Azerbaijan last night.