Mazzone backing for Totti after red card

(GSM) – Former Roma coach Carlo Mazzone has supported Francesco Totti after the Balotelli-incident. He urged the people not to “crucify” the Roma captain.

Totti was sent off in the Coppa Italia final after a horrific lash out at Internazionale striker Mario Balotelli and stated he had been provoked.

“Let us not crucify him now,” noted Mazzone on calciomercato.it. “One must also say that Balotelli really does provoke people.

“Have we already forgotten this lad has argued with everyone? He’s had it out with fans, his Coach and teammates.

“It’s true that Totti stepped on to the field already tense, but that was normal considering the importance of the game.

“Then, evidently, the Inter striker said something excessive and he lost it. He ran after him and gave Balotelli a nasty kick.

“Aside from that gesture, Totti remains Totti – a wonderful and generous person who during a game lost his cool because of provocation that must not be underestimated.”