Italian referee Federico La Penna is going through a particularly tense period after the meeting between Inter and Juventus, marked by a controversial decision: the expulsion of Pierre Kalulu for a foul considered severe, while many felt that Alessandro Bastoni should have been sanctioned for simulation. According to La Repubblicathe controversy quickly degenerated into online harassment, with some messages containing explicit death threats. The arbitrator, a lawyer by profession, compiled a file with screenshots and insults received before filing a complaint with the postal police, who recommended that he and his family limit their travel as a security measure.
On a sporting level, La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that the arbitration authorities are considering a temporary sidelining of two to three weeks, or even a month, in order to calm the controversy while recognizing that his second period was considered satisfactory. A gradual resumption with matches with less media exposure would be under study. At the same time, the episode relaunches the debate on simulation, which has become a priority area for referees. Meanwhile, the sporting news continues with the Champions League, where Galatasaray must soon face the Turin team, in a context where refereeing decisions remain more scrutinized than ever.
