Referee La Penna has received serious death threats following a contentious match, prompting him to report to the police and receive advice to stay at home for safety.
After a contentious match in Serie A, referee La Penna has been targeted with alarming death threats that include messages such as 'I will shoot you' and 'we know where you live.' La Penna, who also works as a lawyer, compiled evidence of the threats and decided to take legal action by reporting to the postal police. The severity of the threats forced the police to recommend that he, along with his wife and two young daughters, stay indoors for their safety.
The unrest did not stop with La Penna; player Bastoni and his wife have also faced significant online harassment, with threats aimed at them and their daughter. Insults directed at the players surged on social media, especially following the controversial events during the match, including a notable expulsion and subsequent altercations involving players and officials. The environment surrounding the Serie A games has become hostile, with players and referees alike feeling endangered.
President Marotta of Inter Milan expressed concerns over the growing violence and hostility associated with football matches. These incidents highlight an alarming trend in sports, where verbal abuse has escalated to explicit threats, reflecting a larger issue of safety in sporting events. The authorities' intervention underscores the need for immediate action and comprehensive measures to protect players and officials from such dangers in the future.
