Inter Milan 3-2 Juventus – Referee La Penna Faces ‘Lengthy Suspension’ After Dramatic Derby D’Italia Red Card | OneFootball

Referee Federico La Penna could face a lengthy suspension after the controversial second yellow card shown to Pierre Kalulu during Inter Milan’s 3-2 win over Juventus.

The incident, which heavily influenced the Derby d’Italia, sparked immediate protests.

La Penna booked Kalulu for a challenge on Alessandro Bastoni, despite replays suggesting minimal contact.

Kalulu reacted furiously and gestured for a VAR review, but current regulations do not allow VAR to intervene on second yellow cards.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908, the mistake became even clearer on replay, with the newspaper arguing that Kalulu was wrongly punished.

Inter 3-2 Juventus – La Penna Error Marred Impressive Victory

FERRARA, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Referee Federico La Penna gestures during the Serie A match between SPAL and SSC Napoli at Stadio Paolo Mazza on October 27, 2019 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

The controversy continued in the tunnel at halftime, where protests followed the decision.

The case has reignited debate over VAR protocol.

During a recent meeting in London on January 20, International Football Association Board (IFAB) discussed allowing video officials to review second yellow cards that result in dismissals.

Under the proposed change, VAR could recommend overturning a clearly erroneous second booking, though it would not have authority to suggest one.

Had the rule already been in force, La Penna could have conducted an on-field review.

The yellow card for Kalulu might have been rescinded, with Bastoni instead facing punishment for simulation, which would have resulted in his own dismissal.