Hungarian fencing referee suspended

According to International Fencing Federation, referee Joszef Hidasi made mistakes in six scoring decisions _ all in favor of Italy. The Italians beat China 45-42 to win the gold medal.

A Hungarian fencing referee was expelled from the Olympics and suspended for two years on Sunday after officials said he made several errors during the previous night's gold medal match in men's team foil.

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According to International Fencing Federation media director Jochen Faerber, referee Joszef Hidasi made mistakes in six scoring decisions _ all in favor of Italy. The Italians beat China 45-42 to win the gold medal.

FIE president Rene Roch said in a press release that the errors were "heavy and against the good reputation of our sport." Officials from the Italian Olympic Committee declined comment. Faerber said the result would stand.

"In our rules, it's clear that the referee's decision is the referee's decision," Faerber said. "You cannot protest late." The Olympic fencing competition ended on Sunday night with the men's team epee event.