Siena striker Massimo Maccarone has refused to apologise for pushing the referee during Sunday's 1-0 Serie A defeat to Atalanta.
The 28-year-old lost his composure and shoved official Carmine Russo after he was shown a second yellow card for dissent late in the game.
"You tell me if it´s fair to be sent-off just because I spoke to the referee," said Maccarone.
"I only told him that an opponent should not have been booked for having thrown the ball away.
"I didn´t insult him and I didn´t say any swear words.
"Did I shove him? I barely touched him on the chest.
"If that is a push then we are girls."
Maccarone is expected to face further action by the disciplinary committee of the Italian Football League later in the week.
"You tell me if it´s fair to be sent-off just because I spoke to the referee," said Maccarone.
"I only told him that an opponent should not have been booked for having thrown the ball away.
"I didn´t insult him and I didn´t say any swear words.
"Did I shove him? I barely touched him on the chest.
"If that is a push then we are girls."
Maccarone is expected to face further action by the disciplinary committee of the Italian Football League later in the week.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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