European football: Serie A referees’ chief apologises after controversial Kalulu red card

Guardian Sport

by Reuters

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In a dramatic turn of events during Saturday's Serie A clash between Juventus and Inter Milan, referee Federico La Penna issued a controversial red card to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, which ultimately contributed to Juventus' 3-2 loss. The incident occurred after Inter's Alessandro Bastoni fell to the ground and gestured towards the referee, claiming that Kalulu had pulled his shirt. However, television footage revealed no contact between the two players, leading Serie A’s referee designator Gianluca Rocchi to apologize and label the decision as “clearly wrong.” With Juventus reduced to 10 men following the dismissal, Inter capitalized on their numerical advantage to extend their lead at the top of the league table by eight points. The match saw high tension, particularly when Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti and captain Giorgio Chiellini confronted La Penna over the decision. The incident underscores the challenges referees face in making split-second decisions under intense pressure. Rocchi’s acknowledgment of the mistake highlights the Serie A's commitment to transparency and accountability in officiating. Such incidents often spark debates about refereeing quality and its impact on player performance and match outcomes. For sports enthusiasts, this story is significant as it raises questions about the fairness and reliability of refereeing decisions in high-stakes matches. The controversy not only affects the outcome of individual games but also has broader implications for team standings and fan trust in the sport. With Inter now leading Juventus by eight points, the incident adds another layer of complexity to their title race. The aftermath of the game has also sparked discussions about how referees handle player reactions and body language on the field. The case of Kalulu serves as a reminder of the fine line officials must walk between enforcing rules and managing the emotions of high-profile players. As the season progresses, this incident may prompt calls for improved referee training and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the game.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/15/2026