Celtic striker Samaras hoping for 'fairer game' in second leg against Juventus

Mar 6, 2013 8:15:00 AM

The Greece international blasted the refereeing of set-pieces in the Bhoys' first-leg defeat and has called on referee Firat Aydinus to stamp out excessive holding on Wednesday

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras is hoping for a fairer encounter in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with Juventus.

The Bhoys lost the first- game at Parkhead 3-0, but were left aggrieved by the close-quarter defending that they were subjected to by the Italian giants' defenders which went unpunished by the referee much to the disbelief of the Celtic players and manager Neil Lennon.

The second leg in Turin will see Turkish referee Firat Aydinus taking charge of the game at Juventus Stadium, and the Greece international forward has called on him to be aware of the home side's heavy-handed defended in order to ensure a fairer encounter.

"It wasn't fair, I think everybody saw that," the 28-year-old told reporters.

"It is how they defend set-pieces, like most Italian teams.

"Hopefully, the referee will have his eyes more open tomorrow and see clearly what’s going on and it can be a fair game."

Celtic face a mammoth task to overturn a three-goal deficit away to the current Italian Champions and Serie A leaders.

However, the former Manchester City forward, who has scored in all three of the Glasgow side's European away games this season, says his side will attempt to play attacking football in order to pull off an unlikely comeback.

"We will play the same way as we did in the first leg, try to move the ball, play attacking football and create chances," he added.

"If we score the first goal you never know. In football everything can happen."

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