Serie A: Juventus Execs Suspended Over Referee Clash

Kalulu's red card sparks controversy

Juventus CEO Damien Comolli and director Giorgio Chiellini face suspensions after confronting referee over Kalulu red card.

The incident sparked controversy, with Serie A referee designator Gianluca Rocchi admitting the decision was “clearly wrong...” 

Juventus chief executive Damien Comolli has been suspended until March 31 by Serie A's sports judge for his aggressive behavior towards referee Federico La Penna during Saturday's match against Inter Milan. Comolli confronted La Penna in the tunnel at halftime, adopting an “aggressive and gravely intimidating” attitude, and attempted to make physical contact before being restrained by Juve staff.

The controversy stems from the sending-off of defender Pierre Kalulu, who was given a red card just before halftime for a second yellow card offense. Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini also received a suspension, until February 27, for “heated and disrespectful” protests towards La Penna and offensive remarks towards match officials.

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini has received a suspension until February 27th for his heated protests towards referee Federico La Penna and offensive remarks towards match officials. This disciplinary action follows the controversial dismissal of defender Pierre Kalulu, which sparked outrage among Juventus officials.

The incident occurred during the match against Inter Milan, where Kalulu was sent off for a second yellow card, prompting Chiellini and chief executive Damien Comolli to confront La Penna in the tunnel. Comolli has been suspended until March 31 and fined 15,000 euros for his aggressive behavior.

Pierre Kalulu was sent off just before halftime for a second yellow card after a challenge on Inter's Alessandro Bastoni. Bastoni fell to the ground and immediately gestured towards the referee, indicating Kalulu had pulled his shirt, but replays showed there was no contact between the players.

The incident sparked controversy, with Serie A referee designator Gianluca Rocchi admitting the decision was “clearly wrong” and lamenting that VAR couldn't intervene to rectify it. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti and director Giorgio Chiellini confronted referee Federico La Penna at halftime, expressing their frustration.

🚨😡 After Inter-Juventus match, Spalletti, Comolli, and Chiellini confronted the referee. They were unhappy with Kalulu's red card in the first-half. pic.twitter.com/8PLod3tPg4

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 15, 2026

Inter Milan secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Juventus, thanks to a last-minute goal from Piotr Zielinski, extending their lead at the top of Serie A to eight points with 61 points, while Juventus sits fifth with 46 points from 25 games.

The fallout from the match also saw Juventus chief executive Damien Comolli suspended until March 31 and fined 15,000 euros for his aggressive behavior towards La Penna, while director Giorgio Chiellini received a suspension until February 27 for his protests.