Calaio: ‘Summer of hell’

By Football Italia staff

Parma striker Emanuele Calaiò says he’s been through a “summer of Hell” after being accused of attempting to fix a crucial match against Spezia.

The forward sent texts to two opposition players telling them not to try too hard in the match which sealed the Ducali’s promotion, but has always maintained that he was joking.

Today the case has gone to a sporting trial, with the FIGC’s prosecutor asking for a four-year ban for the player and a two-point deduction which would return Parma to Serie B.

“I’ve had a summer of Hell,” Calaiò testified this afternoon.

“I’m here in front of you for three stupid, harmless and joking messages that didn’t have any second purpose.

“I wasn’t thinking about making things easier for my teammates or altering the result of the match.

“I don’t do those things, I’m a clean and correct person and I’m sorry Spezia and my former teammates aren’t here to testify that I’ve always been an example for youngsters.

“I don’t want my career to end over something that has nothing to do with me.”

Calaiò complained that pictures published in newspapers made him look “like a criminal” and that his children have been asked about the allegations at school.

“If Calaiò’s messages represent something illicit then then we can all go home, because every game is illicit,” the player’s lawyer, Paolo Rodella said.

“Where was the illicit offer? From the first message there are emojis with smiley faces. The federal prosecutor should apologise to the footballer for this absurd and defamatory accusation.”

Parma's lawyer, Eduardo Chiacchio, then spoke to reporters after leaving the courtroom.

"How is it possible? How can you ask for a two point deduction for something like this?

"How can there objectively be any responsibility on Parma's part? What power does a club have over a text? I'm amazed."

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