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Andrea Belotti Shows Incredible Sportsmanship, Convinces Referee NOT To Book Opponent

Andrea Belotti Shows Incredible Sportsmanship, Convinces Referee NOT To Book Opponent

Torino and Italy striker sportingly refuses to accept free-kick against him.

Alex Reid

Alex Reid

Torino striker Andrea Belotti showed amazing sportsmanship against Atalanta as he persuaded the referee to take back a yellow card against an opponent - and gave up what would've been a great free-kick chance.

After Italy international Belotti collapsed when sprinting through on goal, the referee mistakenly thought Cristian Romero had brought him down and brandished a yellow card, awarding Torino a free-kick just outside the area.

But Belotti immediately wagged his finger and told the referee he hadn't been fouled. Romero's yellow was instantly rescinded - while Belotti chose to pass the resulting drop ball right back to Atalanta.

It was a uniquely generous sporting gesture - made all the more impressive by the fact that Torino were actually 3-0 down half an hour into the Serie A tie, so they needed every advantage they could get.

A defender on a booking and a terrific chance to score from a free-kick would've been a perfect opportunity for the away side to get back into the game before half-time.

But Belotti honourably gave up the free-kick, got Romero's booking struck off, then gave the resulting drop ball right back to Atalanta. A special hat-trick of sportsmanship.

Belotti got some reward for his behaviour later in the first half after his goal (albeit a rebound after a missed penalty) cut the deficit to 3-1, before Gleison Bremer made it 3-2 just before half-time.

It got even better for Torino in the second half, as Federico Bonazzoli's late strike gave them a 3-3 draw.

A remarkable comeback - and an equally remarkable sporting moment from Belotti.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Serie A, Italian Football, Atalanta, Torino, Italy