This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. João Pinheiro's performance in Wednesday's match between Juventus and Galatasaray, which led to the elimination of the 'vecchia signora' from the UEFA Champions League, continues to be a prominent topic in Italy. The Portuguese referee was criticized by the CEO of the bianconeri, Damien Jacques Comolli, who expressed outrage over Kelly's red card, questioning the Portuguese referee's ability to officiate matches in the prestigious tournament: 'How can you appoint a referee like this?' 'I will try not to be suspended, as has already happened with the Italian Federation after what occurred in the match against Inter, but referee Pinheiro's decision in that situation was truly frustrating,' the executive noted, as quoted by the Italian press, in an analysis of the officiating team's decision in the incident where Kelly brought down Yilmaz. 'I wonder how it was possible to appoint him to officiate a match with so much at stake. And yet, because of a red card like that, we are out of the Champions League,' he remarked, referring to Juventus's insufficient 3-2 victory after extra time in the second leg (losing 5-7 on aggregate in the playoff). The Italian executive's criticisms resonated in the Italian press this Friday, with João Pinheiro making headlines in two newspapers. The cover of Corriere dello Sport highlights 'Juve harmed' and emphasizes 'Comolli's anger,' stating that the 'executive attacks the referee and UEFA' — 'It's absurd to appoint Pinheiro.' Tutto Sport also focuses on the controversial case recorded in the match, but alongside another red card incident against Inter, which has been highly controversial in Italy — the head of Italian refereeing even admitted the mistake in that decision, where Kalulu received a second yellow and subsequent red after a foul on Bastoni that was merely… a simulation by the Italian. 'Juve, the tally of reds,' read the newspaper, with João Pinheiro sharing the spotlight with referee Federico La Penna from the other mentioned match.
Juventus The Portuguese remains central to this story.
Juventus The Portuguese remains central to this story.
Read more in Serie A news. and related tags: Juventus, The Portuguese.