Referee Federico La Penna has faced a wave of death threats directed at him and his family after a contentious red card issued during the Serie A derby match between Inter and Juventus. The incident stemmed from a foul by Juventus player Pierre Kalulu on Alessandro Bastoni, which La Penna penalized. The head of Italian refereeing, Gianluca Rocchi, later acknowledged that the decision was a 'clear mistake', igniting an explosive reaction from fans and creating a frenzy on social media.

In the wake of the match, the level of vitriol directed towards La Penna escalated drastically, with social media platforms serving as a host for harrowing comments, including threats to his life and his family's safety. La Penna, who is also a lawyer, was compelled to gather evidence and report these threats to the Postal Police. This matter raises serious concerns about the safety of officials in sports, particularly in high-stakes environments such as a popular football derby, where emotions often run high.

The increasing hostility and threats against referees highlight a disconcerting trend in sports, where the perceived injustices experienced during games spill over into personal attacks. La Penna and his family have been advised to stay indoors due to the severity of the threats, showcasing the alarming reality that sporting events can lead to dangerous repercussions not just on the field but also in the referees' private lives. The implications of these events call for stricter measures to protect officials from fan retaliations and highlight a pressing need for better sportsmanship within the football community.