Re: AC Milan Thread - 10 Wins in a row - not including CI
Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso has angrily defended his decision to not give a blood sample as part of a random drugs test.
Gattuso and teammate Giuseppe Pancaro declined to give an optional blood reading following Milan’s win against Roma on Sunday, but they did leave a compulsory urine sample.
Although there are no formal sanctions for players who refuse to give a sample, Federation chief Franco Carraro had previously threatened that players who declined would be ignored by the national side.
But Gattuso, who is in the squad to face Scotland on Saturday, insists the whole system needs reviewing.
"Either you do things seriously or you don't do them at all," the former Rangers midfielder told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
"For months no-one has been seen for blood tests and then now they bring up this new thing. At any rate, I don't see where the problem is given that nothing is obligatory," he added.
"We should plan the controls well, making them equal for everyone and then I would be happy to adhere."
Gattuso, who is an executive member of the Italian Footballers' Association, has since added that he will undergo a blood test later today.
"I am going to do the blood analysis tonight and everyone can come and have a look," he said this afternoon.
"I’ll even give 10 litres if they want. I have nothing to hide because my doping is hot chilli peppers and hard work in the week."
The midfielder then revealed more details about the circumstances in which he and Pancaro informed medics that they would only be providing them with a urine sample.
"I went into the anti-doping room at the Olimpico, it was 11.30 at night and I was stressed out from the match," added the 26-year-old.
"There were 10 people there and plenty of confusion and sealed syringes thrown to one side. We aren't animals, not me or my fellow players. We can’t go on without clear regulations."
However, Pino Capua, of the Federation’s Anti-doping office, has himself hit back at Gattuso’s comments.
"I’m mortified," he told Radio Radio. "He knows the procedure and he’s wrong to say that the syringes are just thrown to one side. At least he said they were sealed.
"Gattuso is not being entirely accurate and he was present at all the meetings between ourselves and the players. Our medics work with great professionalism."
When asked whether a test carried out 48 hours later than planned could give different results, Capua said: "It’s hard to say but they could be different."
Ironically, this event takes place not long after Adriano Galliani, Milan’s Vice-president, publicly condemned anyone not taking the blood test.
"Anyone not giving a sample should not be playing football. Not only should they not be called up for the national team but should also change profession," he said in the past.
Despite the controversy, Italy boss Marcello Lippi insists that the warrior is still in his plans.
"I’ve not thought about doing without his services," he said. "My opinion? These tests should be made compulsory but only in the right circumstances."
Sounds like fucking double standards to me ref galliani :applause:
