Ballesteros refused to accept a one-stroke penalty for a second slow-play violation in the third round of the Italian Open, and signed for a 3-over-par 75 instead of a 76. He was then disqualified.The 46-year-old Ballesteros, who won the 1995 event for the last of his 48 European tour victories, said he is being targeted by tour officials because he once complained about how the tour was being run.
'It's a personal problem from the past,'' the two-time Masters champion said. 'It's a war and this is a continuation of that.
'It happens because I'm against the system. Ten years ago I could have taken a minute and a half to play one shot, but I'm not important any more for the tour.''
European Tour officials did not immediately comment on Ballesteros' allegations.
Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina shot a 6-under-par 66 Saturday and held a one-stroke lead after three rounds.
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