Serie A Referees Chief Issues Apology After Controversial Kalulu Red Card in Juventus Defeat
In a dramatic Serie A clash, Juventus suffered a 3-2 loss away at Inter Milan, but the match was overshadowed by a highly controversial red card decision that has sparked widespread debate and an official apology from the league's refereeing authorities.
Controversial Sending Off Mars High-Stakes Derby
During the intense encounter, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was shown a second yellow card by referee Federico La Penna, leading to his dismissal. The incident occurred when Inter's Alessandro Bastoni fell to the ground and immediately gestured for a card, alleging that Kalulu had grabbed his shirt. However, television replays strongly suggested there was no contact between the two players, raising serious questions about the validity of the decision.
With Juventus reduced to 10 men following the sending off, they ultimately lost the match 3-2, allowing Inter to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table to eight points. The defeat has significant implications for the title race, adding to the frustration felt by the Juventus camp.
Official Admission of Error and VAR Limitations
Serie A's referee designator, Gianluca Rocchi, has publicly acknowledged the mistake, stating to Italian news agency Ansa that La Penna's decision was clearly wrong. Rocchi expressed regret over the incident and highlighted the limitations of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in such situations.
We are very sorry about the incident, about La Penna's decision, which was clearly wrong, and about the fact that VAR could not be used to rectify it, Rocchi said. He added that La Penna is mortified by the error and emphasized that the referee was not alone in making a mistake, pointing out that there was clear simulation involved in the incident.
Kalulu protested his dismissal by making the VAR gesture, but current league protocols prevent the use of VAR for yellow card offenses, including second yellows that result in red cards. This rule has come under scrutiny following this high-profile error.
Post-Match Confrontations and Calls for Change
The controversy did not end with the final whistle. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti and director Giorgio Chiellini confronted referee La Penna in the tunnel after the match, expressing their anger and frustration over the decision.
Chiellini told Sky Italia that the incident was completely unacceptable, regardless of which team was affected. He called for immediate changes to the VAR system, arguing that such errors should not persist in major matches. From tomorrow presumably VAR will have to change, because this is not acceptable that so many errors keep happening even in big games like this, Chiellini stated, underscoring the need for reform in officiating protocols.
This incident adds to a growing list of controversial refereeing decisions in European football this season, prompting discussions about potential improvements to ensure fairness and accuracy in the sport.
