Wesley: 'It Wasn't a Foul, Ref!' – Roma Star Clears Air on Red Card Chaos Ahead of Bologna Europa Thriller
Wesley Franca hit back at his controversial red card in Roma's 2-1 loss to Como, insisting it wasn't a foul on Assane Diao. The wing-back, speaking ahead of the Europa League second leg vs Bologna (tied 1-1), stressed the need for total focus. He's settled quickly in Serie A and praised rival Federico Bernardeschi.
Wesley Clears the Air on Como Red Card Drama
Picture this: you're Wesley Franca, Roma's speedy Brazilian wing-back, locked in a tense Serie A scrap at Como. Scores level at 1-1, and suddenly you're tumbling with Assane Diao. Ref pulls out a second yellow, you're off, and Roma crumble to a 2-1 loss. Gutting, right? But Wesley's not buying the drama.
In Wednesday's presser before the Europa League second leg against Bologna, the lad piped up. 'It wasn't a foul,' he reckoned, as reported by Peter Young at Football Italia. He was on Diao's side, just steadying himself as the Como man went down. 'I knew I was on a booking and didn't fancy a red,' Wesley added. Like that dodgy Pierre Kalilu moment in the Juventus-Inter derby – second yellows can't go to VAR, so no overturn. Roma fans are fuming, but Wesley's moving on sharpish.
Settling in Serie A Like a Pro
Fair play to Wesley, he's hit the Italian ground running since ditching Flamengo last summer. 'Italian footy's different from Brazil,' he says, 'but stay switched on and it's tough for wingers to skin me. Easier for me to jink past 'em too.'
Boss Gian Piero Gasperini – wait, hold up, Roma's gaffer? Nah, that's Claudio Ranieri vibes, but anyway – wants him bombing forward, no daft errors, smart choices. 'I'm getting better, and minutes on the pitch are gold,' Wesley grins. From the Olimpico roar against Juventus to this, he's loving it. Proper right-back with flair – Roma needed that spark.
That Como send-off? Decisive, yeah. After he walked, Como pounced for the winner in a massive Champions League chase game. Wesley's gutted but eyes forward. 'Changed the match, but that's footy.'
Bologna Europa Showdown: '100% Locked In'
Now, the big one: Roma vs Bologna, Europa League round of 16 second leg at the Olimpico. 1-1 from the Dall'Ara first leg – tense as a dodgy penalty shout. Wesley's buzzing: 'Playing Europe? Dream stuff. Careers get made here. We need 100% concentration tomorrow.'
He gave props to Federico Bernardeschi from leg one. 'Top player, class traits. Great duel.' Bologna's no mugs – they'll fancy pinching it – but Roma at home? Electric. Wesley's itching to attack, shut down threats, and bag that quarter-final spot.
Roma's season hinges on these nights. Slip up in Serie A like at Como, and Europe becomes your lifeline. Wesley's message? Eyes on the prize, lads. No more ref howlers – just pure focus.
If you're a Giallorossi die-hard, crack open a Peroni and settle in. This tie's got goals, grudge, and maybe a Brazilian redemption arc. Wesley's words: be ready. Roma, over to you.