Greece victimized by referees at Euro 2012: Karagounis

WARSAW, POLAND – JUNE 16: In this handout image provided by UEFA Giorgos Karagounis of Greece talks to the media during a press conference after the UEFA EURO 2012 Group A match between Greece and Russia on June 16, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)

Warsaw, June 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Greece’s qualification for the Euro 2012 quarterfinals is a triumph because the team has constantly been victimized by referees, captain Giorgos Karagounis has said.

The Greeks felt they were denied a clear penalty in the 1-0 win over Russia that secured a place in the knockout stages, as Karagounis was tripped by Russia defender, Sergei Ignashevich but given a yellow card for diving.

“All referee calls were against our team,” he said of the group stage, adding that the hostile refereeing had such an effect that simply qualifying for the quarterfinals was comparable to winning Euro 2004.

“Our team could have had, let’s say, seven points. We have had two proper goals that were not accepted.”

Karagounis’ booking means that he cannot play in the quarterfinal.

“This is not fair, both for me because I will not be able to participate in the next match, and in general.”

Greece’s potential opponents in the next round are Germany, Portugal and Denmark.