Buffon: ‘I deserve ban’

By Football Italia staff

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon admits he deserves a UEFA ban for his post match comments about Michael Oliver - “I crossed the line”.

The goalkeeper will leave the Bianconeri at the end of this season, but still hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll retire.

Announcing his decision in a Press conference today, the 40-year-old was asked about a ban which could be coming his way for his comments after the Champions League quarter-final.

“I think it’s right,” Buffon shrugged.

“Not on the pitch, as the referee gave me a red card which I still don’t understand and you, rather than focusing on my comments, should look at behaviour from the official that was not really consistent.

“As for what I said off the pitch, I said a few days later that I crossed the line and that’s clear.

“I am extremely sorry about that, as over 23 years of Champions League career, I was never sent off or suspended, so I feel that I behaved fairly and in a sporting manner with everyone.

“It was a particular situation and a few days later I confessed the Buffon of that day, with the sentiments and feelings of that night, couldn't help but say those things.

“A few days later, as I said to your colleagues from ‘Le Iene’, I was sorry to have 'offended' the referee, because at the end of the day he is a human being who does a very difficult job.

“If I'd seen him two days later, I'd have hugged Michael Oliver and apologised, but also said he could've been a bit calmer in such an important game for us and for me.

“Nothing more though. I am not someone who carries rancour.”

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