The lawyer of the former AC Siena head coach has stated how difficult it was to convince him to offer a plea bargain; as he maintains his innocence from the charges.
The Scommessopoli controversy has dragged along with it many players and coaches, people who have been alleged to have participated in directly fixing matches, or not notifying the footballing authorities about their existence. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Leonardo-Bonucci-c22064 and Simone
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-c29670 have been alleged for their involvement, however, Bonucci is charged with the more serious allegation, that of sporting fraud. If rumours are to be believed, it is being touted that Bonucci would be charged with a ban of three and a half years, whereas;
Pepe, would be charged with a year’s ban.
Despite these two players, the coaching team of Antonio Conte has also been targeted; and even though the allegation of sporting fraud has been dropped; Conte is still being tried. The allegations against the former Juventus player are that he had prior
knowledge of the fixed matches and that he failed to notify the appropriate authority.
He initially put forth a plea bargain of 3 months, including a fine of 200,000 Euros. The bargain was not accepted and Stefano Palazzi, the prosecutor of the case, has recommended a ban of 15 months to be levied on the former Robur head coach. It is worthy
to note that despite the plea bargain, Conte does not accept the charges levied against him.
Antonio De Rensis, lawyer of Antonio Conte, has gone on to state that the Italian is looking to assist the justice system in the best manner possible; and remarked:
“Despite the difficulties this situation created for Juventus and his family, he is the one who gives us strength. The same level of strength and support comes from President Andrea Agnelli.”
De Rensis went on to state that it had been mighty difficult to persuade Conte over the bargain, and mentioned:
“A plea bargain in a sporting trial is an opportunity and I can guarantee it was very hard to convince Conte to accept the three-month ban. When that failed, every other option fell away, because Antonio Conte’s dignity is priceless.
The lawyer was talking to Sky Sport Italia regarding the issue at hand.
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