Roma manager Claudio Ranieri expressed extreme frustration with referee Tobias Stieler following his team’s 1-1 draw against Porto in the Europa League. Ranieri accused the official of bias and questioned UEFA’s decision to assign him to the match.

Roma had taken the lead just before halftime through Zeki Celik, but Porto equalized in the second half after a deflected shot. The Italian side then had Bryan Cristante sent off for a second yellow card, but managed to hold on for a draw.

Ranieri was visibly angry at the final whistle, rushing onto the pitch to prevent his players from confronting the referee. In his post-match comments, he criticized Stieler’s performance, saying, “It seemed like he was waiting for an opportunity to give Porto the victory. How could UEFA assign this referee?”

The Roma coach pointed out that in Stieler’s previous 22 matches, away teams had only managed nine draws, with all other games resulting in home wins. Ranieri questioned the wisdom of appointing such a referee for a high-stakes European fixture.

Stieler issued eight yellow cards to Roma players, including Cristante’s red card, compared to just three for Porto. Ranieri felt this disparity was evidence of the referee’s bias, stating, “He was going around promising cards to some and giving them to others. It was clear he was waiting for something to happen in the penalty area so he could give them the win.”

Ranieri also criticized modern football’s tendency towards simulation, urging for stricter punishment of players who exaggerate contact. Despite his anger at the officiating, Ranieri praised his team’s performance, expressing satisfaction with their effort in securing a draw away from home.

The second leg of the Europa League playoff will take place at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico on February 20th, with the tie finely balanced after this controversial first encounter.