Napoli Chief Blasts Official for Sending Off 'Gentleman' Ancelotti

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has launched an extraordinary attack on the referee after manager Carlo Ancelotti was sent off during his side's 2-2 draw against Atalanta in Serie A on Wednesday.

The home side were left incensed after they were denied a late penalty for Simon Kjaer’s challenge on Fernando Llorente.

While Napoli were protesting, Atalanta went straight up the other end of the field to equalise through Josip Ilicic.

The penalty incident went to VAR review, but after a lengthy stoppage the goal stood, sparking a furious reaction from the Napoli players and coaching staff.

In the ensuing melee Ancelotti and his assistant, son Davide, were both sent off while Lorenzo Insigne was booked for his protests.

"Without us, the referees would be peeling potatoes," De Laurentiis told Sky Sport Italia.

"If there is VAR it's pointless creating eight minutes of additional time because all that happens is pushing and shouting.

"And what is this buffoonery from the referee who kicks out a gentleman like Ancelotti? We're fed up. We're tired of paying for this standard of officiating."