Milan [Italy], February 18: Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni revealed he has received death threats following Saturday's contentious Serie A victory over Juventus as he apologized for celebrating Pierre Kalulu's red card.
Juventus defender Kalulu was controversially shown a second yellow card in the 42nd minute of his team's 3-2 defeat at San Siro after an apparent dive from Bastoni.
Italy international Bastoni, who had also already been booked and was therefore fortunate to escape being dismissed for simulation, compounded matters with a jubilant reaction to his opponent's red card.
Referee Federico La Penna has received dozens of death threats and reportedly been advised by Italian police not to leave his home following the incident.
"On a personal level it hasn't affected me too much," Bastoni told a press conference on the eve of Inter's Champions League play-off first leg away to Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt.
"We're exposed to this kind of media scrutiny, so I'm used to it and I'm capable of handling it.
"I feel more sorry for my wife and for my daughter, who doesn't yet understand. Receiving death threats is unacceptable.
"I feel for her, and also for referee La Penna, who found himself in the same situation - they should not be subjected to this kind of thing."
Inter moved eight points clear at the top of the table after Piotr Zielinski claimed a last-minute winner against 10-man Juve.
"I exaggerated the fall once I felt contact with Kalulu to try and win a foul, but I have to apologize for my reaction afterwards as it wasn't nice to see, even if it was very human," explained Bastoni, speaking alongside coach Cristian Chivu at a press conference also attended by captain Lautaro Martinez and vice-captain Nicolo Barella.
Source: Qatar Tribune
