Olympics, defeat and controversy for Errigo and Giuffrida: Malagò intervenes
Olympics, defeats and controversy for Errigo and Giuffrida: Malagò
intervenes.
Defeats, disappointments and controversy for Italy on the second day of the Paris 2024 Olympics: foilist Arianna Errigo and judoka Odette Giuffrida, both of whom medaled in Tokyo, were defeated and eliminated in their respective tournaments and failed to make the podium. Both of their knockouts were disputed by the Italian delegation due to questionable refereeing decisions.
Arianna Errigo, in tears, commented this way on her ko with American Lauren Scruggs 15-14 on the last controversial hit: "On the last hit I don't agree but my sport è that too… I made a mistake becauseé arriving 14-14 with a decision entrusted to the’referee exposes you to this result, I should not have arrived at this situation. Getting here was notè a walk in the park so I am sorry, but I would not be a’better athlete and person with another medal around my neck, so I am happy".
Much less diplomatic judoka Odette Giuffrida, bronze medalist in Tokyo: "The refereeing? Even in the final the last shido was dubious. With this referee one day I will have a coffee and ask her what problems she has with me. It has been going on for a long time. When I see her come up, already I know I have to do more than what would be enough. She doesn’t have much sympathy for me. I’m sorry because Ié believed in it. I don’t like to blame the referees, but I deserved moreù".
Sports Minister Giovanni Malagò è also spoke on the issue: "Honestly to say that it makes one think è to say the least. I watched the semifinal and final for bronze with President Falcone and Secretary General Benucci, competent and balanced people. The thing that surprised us è that the same referee of the semifinal lost by Giuffrida they sent him back to the final: I think this comments itself".
