The Referee of the match, Antonio Rapuano of Rimini delegation shows the yellow card to Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC during the match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC, Copyright: imagoxIPAxSport/ABACAx
Gift Orban scored his first goal for Hellas Verona in their Serie A game against Juventus on Saturday….
Italian referee Antonio Rapuano risks getting demoted from the Serie A to the Serie B due to his controversial officiating of Hellas Verona vs Juventus on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigerian striker Gift Orban took home his first Serie A Man of the Match award at Verona, following an impressive showing against league giants Juventus.
Orban converted from the spot in the 44th minute, 25 minutes after Francisco Conceicao scored the opener for the Old Lady. He also contributed to the defence and looked lively whenever he got the ball in the attack.
However, the Nigerian striker was involved in a controversial incident that should probably have earned him a red card in the first half.
Orban appeared to have deliberately elbowed Federico Gatti while they were contesting for an aerial ball in the last minute of the half.
Ordinarily, Orban should have gotten an automatic red card for violent conduct. But Rapuano only showed him a yellow card. Also, the penalty that was awarded against Juve looked very soft.
After the game, Juventus coach Igor Tudor expressed his disappointment with the officiating. In fact, he tore into referee Rapuano.
“The penalty that was given is shameful. “how can you… if someone doesn’t see the ball, what is he supposed to do,” Tudor said.
“These kinds of penalties don’t exist. Only people who have never played football could give that. It’s a shameful rule.”
Rapuano Faces Demotion Due To Incidents Involving Gift Orban
According to Football Italia, Rapuano could be set for a demotion to the Serie B, the second tier of Italian football, due to his controversial officiating.
In the coming days, the decision could be confirmed, as referees in the top leagues across Europe are held to a high standard.
Nonetheless, Gift Orban cannot be bothered about the issue with Rapuano. Instead, he will be basking in the euphoria of scoring his first goal in Italy. And he will be looking to continue shining for Hellas Verona for the rest of the season.