The Derby d'Italia is famed for its intensity, but the latest clash delivered a post-match administrative storm that has left Juventus reeling. What unfolded in the San Siro tunnel has resulted in unprecedented bans for two of the club's key figures, sending shockwaves through Serie A.
- Juventus CEO Damien Comolli received a ban until March 31, 2026, for aggressive conduct towards a referee.
- Club director and legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini was also suspended until February 27, 2026, for disrespecting officials.
- The fiery confrontation stemmed from a controversial red card incident involving Kalulu during the high-stakes match.
- Both executives' actions prompted a €15,000 fine for the Bianconeri and ignited calls for urgent VAR reform.
Tunnel Turmoil: Juventus Chiefs Face Harsh Penalties
Comolli's Fiery Outburst and Lengthy Ban
The disciplinary hammer has fallen hard on Juventus CEO Damien Comolli, who now faces a staggering suspension from all football activities until March 31, 2026. Official reports from the Derby d'Italia paint a grim picture of a man who lost control at halftime, confronting referee La Penna with an "aggressive and seriously intimidating attitude."
The chaos escalated rapidly in the tunnel. Comolli reportedly attempted physical contact with the official, only to be restrained by Juventus coaching staff and employees. He was also cited for unleashing a torrent of "gravely insulting" language, a tirade that continued even after the teams had dispersed. This severe punishment underscores the gravity of his actions.
Legendary Defender Joins the Sidelines
Chiellini's Critique and Call for Accountability
Adding to Juventus's woes, club director and former captain Giorgio Chiellini has also been sidelined. The passionate ex-defender, who experienced countless high-stakes battles, received a ban until February 27, 2026. While his actions were deemed less physically threatening than Comolli's, Chiellini was found to have challenged the referee's performance in a "disrespectful manner."
He also directed "offensive criticisms" at the assistant referees amidst the escalating tunnel tensions. This dual blow to their leadership is a significant setback for the Bianconeri, especially given Chiellini's standing within the club.
The catalyst for this administrative explosion was the dismissal of Kalulu due to a second yellow card. Juventus vehemently argue this decision was fabricated by opposition simulation, a claim seemingly supported by replays showing minimal contact. This perceived injustice has fueled a direct challenge to the very governance of Italian refereeing.
Chiellini didn't hold back post-match, directly targeting referee designator Gianluca Rocchi and demanding systemic changes. "We cannot talk about football after what happened today. Something truly unacceptable happened," Chiellini passionately declared. He stressed the urgent need for VAR reform, stating, "it is unacceptable that so many errors continue to happen even in big matches like this."
A Black Eye for Italian Football
Comolli amplified the club's outrage, portraying the incident as a significant embarrassment for the entire Serie A brand. With the Derby d'Italia commanding a global audience, the Juventus CEO voiced deep shame over the spectacle presented.
"Clearly, as a club we feel today is very embarrassing. It's a disgrace what happened today," Comolli stated, highlighting the repetitive nature of such controversies. He added, "tonight is a summary of what we have seen this season. For a match like this, with the whole world watching." To compound Juventus's frustration, Kalulu's one-match suspension was confirmed, further impacting their push for the Scudetto.
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