English Premier League

Roma president Pallotta faces UEFA improper conduct charge

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:26 p.m. ET

NYON, Switzerland (AP) Roma president Jim Pallotta is facing punishment from UEFA for his comments about referee decisions in his team's Champions League elimination against Liverpool.

UEFA said Friday that Pallotta has been charged with ''improper conduct.''

UEFA's disciplinary panel will judge the American official's case on May 31, after Liverpool plays Real Madrid in the final.

''I'm surprised by the opening of this disciplinary procedure,'' Pallotta told Italian news agency ANSA. ''For me it is UEFA's conduct which is inappropriate. What do I think? I'm dying of laughter.''

Pallotta was angry at decisions going against his team, including a penalty not awarded for an apparent handball by Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half of Wednesday's match.

Among Pallotta's comments, he challenged UEFA to quickly introduce video review of key incidents otherwise ''stuff like this is just an absolute joke.''

Liverpool won 7-6 on aggregate to reach the final on May 26 in Kiev.