Story perspectives

Referee Faces Death Threats After Controversial Red Card

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Serie A referee Federico La Penna received death threats after issuing a controversial red card to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during a match against Inter Milan on October 22, 2023, which ended 3-2 in favor of Inter.
Kalulu received a second yellow card for a challenge on Inter's Alessandro Bastoni, who later apologized for celebrating the decision.
Refereeing director Gianluca Rocchi acknowledged the red card was "clearly wrong" and stated VAR could not intervene.
Both La Penna and Bastoni experienced online harassment, leading police to recommend safety measures for La Penna.
Juventus officials condemned the incident, asserting it harmed the reputation of Italian football.

History

Historical Context

The death of referee Paolo Casarin in 1990 prompted the Italian Football Federation to enhance referee safety regulations. This issue resurfaced with threats against referee Federico La Penna in 2023, reflecting ongoing concerns about officials' safety in Italian football. The 2006 Calciopoli scandal further complicated the landscape, revealing manipulation of referee appointments and undermining public trust in the sport.

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Story summary

Serie A referee Federico La Penna received death threats after issuing a controversial red card to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during a match against Inter Milan on October 22, 2023, which ended 3-2 in favor of Inter.
Kalulu received a second yellow card for a challenge on Inter's Alessandro Bastoni, who later apologized for celebrating the decision.
Refereeing director Gianluca Rocchi acknowledged the red card was "clearly wrong" and stated VAR could not intervene.
Both La Penna and Bastoni experienced online harassment, leading police to recommend safety measures for La Penna.
Juventus officials condemned the incident, asserting it harmed the reputation of Italian football.

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