Inter Milan’s Bastoni expresses regret over Juventus red card celebration
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has commented on his involvement in the contentious red card issued to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during Saturday’s Derby d’Italia, and expressed regret for celebrating the dismissal.
Kalulu received a second yellow card just before halftime after referee Federico La Penna determined that the France international had impeded Bastoni.
– Marcotti: Inter-Juve marred by one of the worst officiating decisions
As Kalulu reacted in disbelief to the call, Bastoni celebrated by clenching his fists.
Inter ultimately triumphed over their rivals 3-2 with a goal in stoppage time, prompting Juventus director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini and CEO Damien Comolli to criticize the referee’s decision, deeming it “unacceptable” and “embarrassing.”
Bastoni spoke about the incident for the first time during a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of Inter’s Champions League playoff first leg against Bodø/Glimt.
“I wanted to share my perspective on what transpired on Saturday night, as I believe it’s important to clarify how I perceived the situation,” Bastoni told reporters. “I overemphasized the fall once I felt contact with Kalulu in an attempt to draw a foul, but I must apologize for my reaction afterward as it was not pleasant to witness, even if it was a very human response.
“I was swept up in the passion and intensity of such a significant match. I regret that it unfolded this way. I think it’s important to take responsibility, but my character and my career should not be called into question.
“I have participated in over 300 professional matches. I did not anticipate such a significant uproar surrounding it — I have observed a lot of hypocrisy and heard comments that simply do not make sense. I appreciate those who commented fairly, acknowledging that I made a mistake without condemning my character.”
The Italy international also disclosed that he had received death threats following the controversy surrounding Saturday’s incident.
“On a personal level, it hasn’t impacted me too much — we are subject to this kind of media attention, so I am accustomed to it and capable of managing it,” he stated. “I feel more concern for my wife and my daughter, who does not yet comprehend.
“Receiving death threats is intolerable. I empathize with her, and also with referee La Penna, who found himself in a similar situation — they should not have to endure this kind of treatment.”
Saturday’s win left Inter eight points ahead at the top of Serie A, although their nearest rivals AC Milan have a game in hand. As Inter prepares for a vital Champions League match, coach Christian Chivu expressed his desire to move past the events of Saturday.
“Football has been like this for a century; there are incidents that go for and against you, and we need to cease the constant complaining and moralizing every time a situation like this arises, ever since Maradona’s handball goal,” he remarked.
“We too experienced an injustice in Naples, and I am stating this for the first time today, and no one was offended or criticized it in the same manner as they are now.
“So we move forward, recognizing that the season is lengthy, that we aim to remain competitive, and that we want to build on the positive aspects we have achieved, without forgetting how we were portrayed at the beginning of the season and the response and determination this group has demonstrated.”
