A barrage of insults, accusations of corruption, and even death threats overwhelmed referee Federico La Penna in the aftermath of Inter-Juventus. Hundreds of messages slammed the match official on social media, criticizing him for sending off Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu after a diving move attributed to Inter player Alessandro Bastoni.
Among the most serious comments were explicit threats ("I'll kill you," "We know where you live"), even extended to the family of the 43-year-old Roman referee, a lawyer in civil service. This escalation prompted La Penna to contact the Rome Postal Police to protect himself and his family.
Report and investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office
The complaint has triggered an investigation by the Postal Police, who are working to identify the authors of the threatening and defamatory messages. The case is expected at the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, where Deputy Prosecutor Sergio Colaiocco will open a file.
All offensive and threatening content posted online against the referee and his relatives will be scrutinized.
The condemnation of the Referees Association
The Italian Referees Association (AIA) took a firm stance. "Every limit of civility and sportsmanship has been exceeded," stated Deputy Vice President Francesco Massini, emphasizing that it is "unacceptable" for a referee to fear for the safety of his family due to on-field decisions.
The AIA expressed its "full support" for La Penna and announced that it would evaluate any action to protect members who have been victims of criminal conduct.
Bastoni also in the crosshairs
The controversy hasn't spared Bastoni either, who has been the target of insults on his social media profiles for the incident that led to Kalulu's red card. Among the insults are accusations of simulation and calls for his exclusion from the national team. At this time, the Nerazzurri defender has not filed any complaints.
Previous controversies and career
This isn't the first time La Penna has been at the center of controversy. In 2018, he was harshly criticized by Palermo fans for his refereeing of the playoff final against Frosinone. Promoted to Serie A that same year, the Roman referee began his career in 2000, moving on to Serie D (2006), Lega Pro (2009), and Serie B (2012).
In 2021, he was suspended by the AIA Disciplinary Commission for irregularities in expense reimbursements: 13 months reduced to 11 on appeal.
The initiative of a Juventus shareholder
Juventus minority shareholder Giuseppe Rodi also intervened in the case, announcing a complaint—without the club's involvement—against Bastoni and La Penna, with a request for intervention by the FIGC Federal Prosecutor's Office.
The complaint asks for an assessment of possible fraud or sporting fraud related to the alleged simulation and the advantage gained by Inter, who won 3-2 in the Italian derby.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
It's incredible how the situation has degenerated this way. The words used are very strong and make us reflect on how football has become a battleground. It shouldn't be this way; more respect is needed.