Italian referee Antonio Rapuano faces demotion from Serie A to Serie B because of his controversial decision on Saturday’s match between Juventus and Hellas Verona.
The Old Lady were held to a 1-1 draw in the Serie A game against Verona, ending Juventus’ winning streak.
During the game, Gift Orban was involved in a contentious incident in the first half that most likely deserved a red card.
The Super Eagles forward seems to have purposefully elbowed Federico Gatti as they were contesting for an aerial ball.
The incident and the referee’s decision led to an outburst from Juventus manager Igor Tudor during his press conference.
Rapuano under investigation
Following the game, Juventus coach Igor Tudor voiced his disappointment with the officiating, criticising referee Rapuano.
Italian referee Antonio Rapuano || Imago
“The penalty that was given is shameful. “How can you… If someone doesn’t see the ball, what is he supposed to do?” Tudor said.
“These kinds of penalties don’t exist. Only people who have never played football could give that. It’s a shameful rule.”
Orban ought to have been automatically sent off for his action, but Rapuano only gave him a yellow card.
Gift Orban switches to Serie A. (Photo Credit: Hellas Verona/X)
According to Football Italia, following the incident, Rapuano’s controversial officiating may result in his demotion to Serie B, the second division of Italian football.
Given the high standards expected of referees in Europe’s top leagues, the decision may be confirmed in the next few days.
Meanwhile, after an outstanding performance against Juventus, Orban won his first Serie A Man of the Match award.
Twenty-five minutes after Francisco Conceicao gave the Old Lady the lead, the striker scored from the penalty spot in the 44th minute.