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Italian coach suspended by FINA Latest: Monday October 09, 2000 09:07 PM
SYDNEY, Australia (CNNSI.com) -- Italy water polo coach Ratko Rudic has been suspended from any FINA events for one year after an angry display following his team's loss to Hungary in the Olympic quarterfinals. FINA officials met at the Sydney International Aquatic Center on Saturday. In a statement, they said that Rudic was disciplined for "having brought the sport of water polo in disrepute." Rudic, who won golds with Yugoslavia in 1984 and 1988 and with Italy in 1992, chased the officials after the game and was arguing so loudly a uniformed officer stepped between him and the scorer's table at the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Center. In a post-game conference, Rudic accused officials of conspiring against his team. "I have no proof," he said through an interpreter. He said the conspiracy might have been held through secret meetings. "It's too sophisticated for me," he said. Italy appealed the game on a technical error and asked it be replayed, but it was denied by FINA. Rudic is not expected to be at Italy's games the rest of the Olympics. Also, FINA suspended three Italian players for their conduct in slamming the pool deck and arguing with officials following Friday's loss. Roberto Calcaterra was suspended for four international games. His brother, Alessandro, was suspended for two games and goalie Francisco Attolico was suspended a game. Croatia's Dubravko Simenc was suspended a game for arguing with an official after his team fell to Spain, 9-8. Simenc pointed and yelled at an official once the game ended.
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