Thomas Piffrader was one of three Bruneck players who received a red card. © Sarah Mitterer

Bruneck anger: “Referee lost control”

SSV Bruneck is on edge after the 1-2 defeat to bottom-placed Riffian Kuens. Not only, but also because of the three dismissals. Coach Roberto Fuschini criticizes the referee's performance.

March 31, 2025

From: cst

"It was a completely calm game. There were no nasty fouls or underhanded actions. And then we get three yellow-red cards and finish the game with eight players on the pitch. That can't be right," Roberto Fuschini reflects, looking back on the last regional league match against Riffian Kuens.

To give you a better overview: Lukas Lanzinger received a second yellow card after 39 minutes for diving. Thomas Piffrader suffered the same fate in the 73rd minute. He, too, had to take an early shower after what appeared to be a foul. In the final minute, Martin Falkensteiner was sent off by referee Matteo Bongiolatti (Bolzano) for repeated fouls. "I've never seen anything like that before. The referee completely lost control of the game, and that was the deciding factor," said Fuschini. He will be without no fewer than five (!) suspended players for the upcoming away game in Latsch. "The referee not only ruined our game against Rifiano, but also made the upcoming match against Latsch much more difficult," ranted Fuschini.

Bruneck slips back to 4th place

Of course, the truth is that Bruneck played poorly in the first half, falling 1-0 down against the almost-relegated Rifiano – partly because a few regular players were initially "rested." "The first half wasn't good, but we responded well after that," said Fuschini. Despite Martin Falkensteiner's goal (2'), the Pustertal team couldn't catch up. Fuschini: "We were also a bit unlucky and missed some good chances. We also could have been awarded two penalties, which the referee didn't award."

“I don’t normally complain, but I’ve never seen a referee perform like this.” Roberto Fuschini, after Bruneck received 3 yellow-red cards

Fuschini concludes: "I've been a coach for a long time and have never been one to make excuses. But it's a fact that the match against Riffian Kuens was significantly influenced by the referee." The defeat has consequences for Bruneck. They dropped from first place to fourth. Rivals Naturno, Val Gardena, and Ahrntal all won.