Juventus directors Comolli and Chiellini handed long bans over Inter fracas

Juventus directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini were handed long bans by the FIGC sports judge following the controversial Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus last Saturday.

The dismissal of Juventus player Pierre Hakulu stirred a lot of controversy and attracted the ire of the Bianconeri’s officials, namely directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini, who confronted the referee over the decision.

The harshest punishment has been handed to Juventus CEO Comolli, who has been banned until March 31 and has been given a fine of €15,000 for adopting an ‘aggressive and seriously intimidating attitude’ towards referee Federico La Penna in the tunnel at half-time following the sending off of defender Kalulu. 

The report from the sports judge adds that Comolli sought to make physical contact with the referee, which ‘was prevented thanks to the intervention of the Juventus coach and other members and coaches’. This behaviour also continued outside the referees’ dressing room. 

Chiellini has also been punished for protesting ‘in an agitated and disrespectful manner’ in the tunnel and outside the referees’ dressing room. He has been handed a ban until the end of February. 

Elsewhere, Milan sporting director Igli Tare has also been fined €10,000 for ‘aggressively’ protesting the referee’s decision after entering the field of play following Milan’s 2-1 victory away against Pisa.