Tag: Alessandro Bastoni

Bastoni apologises for Kalulu red-card celebration as he says threats followed diving backlash

Alessandro Bastoni
February 2026

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni apologised for celebrating Pierre Kalulu’s red card and said he has received death threats after replays showed him going down deceptively in the incident that led to the second booking. Kalulu was dismissed for a second yellow after Bastoni fell in anticipation of contact. The controversy intensified because Bastoni celebrated the decision and the moment became a wider flashpoint about refereeing standards.

Referee La Penna receives death threats after Inter–Juventus controversy

Federico La Penna
February 2026

Referee La Penna filed a police complaint after receiving death threats targeting him and his family following the controversial red card shown to Kalulu. The abuse escalated online, prompting legal action and intervention from authorities. Italian refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi admitted the dismissal was a clear error but VAR could not intervene. La Penna now faces a cooling-off suspension from Serie A duties while officials manage fallout and ensure his safety.

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