Italian referee banned for headbutting goalkeeper

An Italian soccer referee has been banned for one year after he lost his cool and headbutted a goalkeeper he had sent off during a minor league game earlier this month, ANSA news agency reported on Tuesday.

In a match between Borgo Mogliano and Montottone in Macerata on February 1, the referee Antonio Martiniello had given Borgo Mogliano’s goalkeeper Matteo Ciccioli his marching orders as the hosts won 3-1.

But Martiniello was not done meting out punishment and when the pair faced off outside the changing room after the game as the goalkeeper sought an explanation, the referee headbutted Ciccioli, who was taken to hospital to treat his injuries.

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