Juventus chief Elkann calls to protest at serious refereeing errors
John Elkann, the President of Juventus owners Exor and heir to the Agnelli empire, personally called FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina to complain about ‘repeated refereeing errors.’
This is the latest stage in the angry protests that followed last night’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter, a game where Juve were down to 10 men for the entire second half.
Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi already apologised publicly and confirmed sending off Pierre Kalulu was the incorrect decision, as Alessandro Bastoni simulated contact, but as it was a second yellow card offence, VAR could not intervene.
Juventus urge ‘solutions to guarantee integrity’
As Luciano Spalletti and players did not speak to the media last night, Juventus sent directors Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli to give post-match interviews instead.
According to news agency ANSA, today the man at the very top of the Bianconeri pyramid got involved, as Elkann called Federation President Gravina to personally complain.
It is reported he “expressed grave dissatisfaction for the repeated and numerous refereeing errors, urging the authorities to find efficient solutions to improve the overall football system, and guarantee the integrity and credibility of Italian football.”
In their complaints, Juventus have pointed out that this is only the latest in a long line of obvious errors that left clubs including Roma, Genoa, Lazio and Napoli furious.
It is the widespread nature of the anger with referees that is creating a sense of momentum behind calls for change, and Rocchi may well be the first to go.