MILAN – A month's suspension and a complaint for death threats. These are difficult days for Federico La Penna, the referee at the center of controversy after Inter-Juventus and Kalulu's expulsion, which ignited the Derby d'Italia. Referee designator Gianluca Rocchi's decision to suspend him for at least thirty days comes after what has been called "a clearly erroneous decision," with the aim of giving the referee the time he needs to regain composure.
The suspension was a technical decision, but the matter quickly spilled over the field. According to reports, La Penna filed a complaint with the Postal Police for a series of threats he received on social media. The messages were extremely serious, directed not only at him but also at his family. "I'll shoot you," "I'll kill you," "We're coming for you, we know where you live" were some of the messages sent to the referee, with direct references to his wife and two young daughters.
An escalation that has nothing to do with sports criticism. La Penna, who is also a lawyer, has decided to formally protect himself by initiating legal proceedings against the perpetrators of the threats. A necessary step, in a climate that highlights how tension surrounding football can degenerate into personal hatred.
The case refocuses the spotlight on the verbal abuse that accompanies every controversial incident. Refereeing errors, whether admitted or alleged, are part of the dynamics of the game. Death threats are not. And while discussions continue regarding technical management and the referee's future return to the field, a broader issue remains unanswered: the protection of individuals, even before roles.
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 16/02/2026 at 11:37 PM - Title typo corrected
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (2)
I don't understand how anyone could threaten someone like this, especially a referee who's just doing his job. We need to reflect on what's happening in our society.
This is a complicated and sad situation. Referees should be respected even if they make mistakes. Violence is never justified, especially for such serious messages. We hope the situation is resolved soon.