Juventus have hit out at the Italian league and federation after a controversial late penalty handed them a 2-1 defeat at Reggina and hit their hopes of overhauling Roma in second place in Serie A.
In an open letter to the league and the referees' association, Juventus claimed they were still being punished for the match-fixing scandal that rocked Italian football two years ago, in which Juve were stripped of two titles and relegated for their integral part.
Momo Sissoko, making his first start for Juve since his switch from Liverpool, was punished for kicking former Juventus striker Nicola Amoruso in the shoulder as he tried to clear.
A penalty was awarded and Amoruso sent Juventus keeper Emanuele Belardi, formerly of Juventus, the wrong way to earn the basement strugglers three vital points.
The result left Juventus one point behind second-placed Roma, whom they had defeated 1-0 last week.
"What is certain is that Juventus cannot continue to pay for the painful past for which a severe penalty has already been paid but which has been resolved thanks in no small part to the passion of the fans who legitimately ask to be respected," said Juve's letter while calling on both bodies to respect the professionalism of Juve's players, coaching staff and directors.
The club seems convinced it is the victim of a conspiracy.
Coach Claudio Ranieri claimed three penalty decisions went against his team.
"We're all bitter and not only for the penalties given or not given. It's the running of the game that I didn't like," he said.
"Those three incidents were the tip of the iceberg. I'm speaking on behalf of everyone, we all feel disheartened, we need to be strong.
"The referees are making mistakes. I didn't like anything about the way the game was refereed."
Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli pointed the finger of blame at the Italian Federation.
"There should be some serious soul searching going on at the federation. They need to act on this. People make mistakes but these mistakes keep happening with Juventus and other teams," he said.
"The referees are honest but they make too many mistakes.
"I've got nothing to criticise the coach or players about. Juve deserved to win but the referee was not on top of his game."