Serie A referee La Penna told to stay at home by police after dozens of death threats

February 16, 2026

TL;DR

Referee Federico La Penna received dozens of death threats after wrongly sending off Juventus player Pierre Kalulu against Inter.
Police have advised La Penna not to leave his home due to the threats.
Kalulu was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Alessandro Bastoni, who appeared to simulate the fall.
The decision is believed to have influenced the game's outcome, with Inter winning 3-2.
La Penna has filed a formal complaint, and could face a one-month suspension.
Italian football officials acknowledge the clear error and a broader issue with simulation in the league.
Alessandro Bastoni also faced online abuse, leading him and his wife to disable social media comments.
Juventus officials expressed strong disapproval of the incident and its impact on the sport.

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