Italian referee Antonio Rapuano is set to be demoted after a controversial performance in Hellas Verona’s 1-1 draw with Juventus, where Nigerian striker Gift Orban was right in the spotlight, Footynaija.com reports.
The 22-year-old forward grabbed Verona’s equaliser from the spot in the 44th minute after João Mário’s handball was confirmed by VAR. Orban calmly slotted home his penalty, ending Juventus’ winning start to the Serie A season and sending Verona fans wild inside the Bentegodi.
But just before the half-time whistle, Orban was again the centre of attention when his elbow caught Juventus defender Federico Gatti during an aerial battle.
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Rapuano reached for a yellow card, a decision that immediately fuelled anger among the Juventus players and sparked fresh debate across Italian football.
According to a report by Eurosport, the Italian Referees Association has now acted, with the official expected to drop to Serie B duty after his errors in the game.
Former referees reviewing the contest argued that Orban’s challenge on Gatti should have been punished with a straight red card. Juventus supporters felt doubly aggrieved, first by the penalty award and then by the leniency shown moments later.
For Verona, the draw keeps them unbeaten but still searching for their first win of the campaign. For Orban, who has already shown his ability to score in the league, it was a night of celebration mixed with controversy.
His penalty gave the Gialloblu a valuable point, but his clash with Gatti has now dragged him into a storm that has also left a Serie A referee facing demotion.
