Gero Insists Penalty Call Was Correct, Rates Jordan Torunarigha Highly

Former Flying Eagles striker Alhaji Gero has supported Italian referee Luca Banti, saying he was correct to award a controversial penalty to östersunds FK in their 1-0 victory over Hertha BSC in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Nigerian defender Jordan Torunarigha was competing for the ball with Gero when it came from the striker's hand to the defender's hand, and the referee pointed to the spot despite Hertha BSC players protesting the decision.

''Yes, it was a penalty because if Jordan didn't touch it with his hand I would have scored because I moved him to the right and he can't move, then he used his hand,'' said Gero to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''There is now belief that we can make it out of the group, we are leading the table with six points, we believe that every single game we will win home or away.''

Away from the contentious decision, Gero still rates Jordan Torunarigha, who is being monitored by the Nigeria Football Federation with a view to call-up to the Super Eagles, highly, saying the German U20 international must be good to be playing in the tough Bundesliga.

''As you know it's never easy to play against a player that is playing in the Bundesliga. Of course, it's tough to play against him and I think he did well. He is strong and fast,'' concluded Alhaji Gero.

Jordan Torunarigha was nominated for the prestigious Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award last term, which was eventually won by former Borussia Dortmund sensation Ousmane Dembélé.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel