Buffon is one deeply heartbroken man.
Gianluigi Buffon was in no mood for a measured post-match interview following Juventus’ heartbreaking defeat to Real Madrid. The legendary Italian keeper was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after furiously protesting the penalty decision that ultimately crushed Juve’s European dreams.
Buffon, playing in his last Champions League game for the Bianconeri, was livid at Oliver awarding Madrid a spot-kick for Medhi Benatia’s challenge on Lucas Vasquez and was shown a red card after appearing to push the English official.
Cristiano Ronaldo emphatically dispatched the penalty to send Real through the last four and leave Juventus utterly irate at how their night had ended. A brace from Mario Mandzukic and a goal from Blaise Matuidi had completed their comeback after losing the first leg 3-0.
Speaking after the game, Buffon said: “The team gave its all but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation. If you want to be that protagonist, sit in the ground with your wife.”
“The referee has a trash can where his heart should be.”
“You cannot ruin the dreams of a team. I could’ve told the referee anything at that moment, but he had to understand the degree of the disaster he was creating. If you can’t handle the pressure and have the courage to make a decision, you should just sit in the stands and eat crisps.”
A pretty strong reaction from Buffon and one that portrays the keeper’s intense emotions on the night. It was a rollercoaster for the 40-year-old. After Matuidi had struck Juve’s third, Buffon could be seen dancing joyously in his penalty box. But the night ultimately ended in tears.
Buffon (LITERALLY!): “That decision means that ref Oliver doesn’t understand a fuck”
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) April 11, 2018
Cool-headed reflection now that the dust is starting to settle:
1) It was a penalty
2) Oliver was within his rights to send off Buffon.
3) That doesn't mean he had to do it. And, personally, I think it's a shame that he did.— Nicky Bandini (@NickyBandini) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/TempoOfXavi/status/984191491022127106
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