'Never seen anything like it' – Juventus coach furious over Gift Orban's escape from red card

Juventus head coach Igor Tudor has hit out at referee Antonio Rapuano after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Hellas Verona at the Marcantonio Bentegodi on Saturday.

The controversy centered on Nigerian striker Gift Orban, who not only equalized for Verona from the penalty spot but also escaped a red card after elbowing Juventus defender Federico Gatti in the first half.

Following a VAR review, Rapuano opted to show Orban a yellow card — a decision that left Tudor furious.

Speaking after the game, the 47-year-old also voiced his displeasure with the penalty award, arguing that the outcome of the match might have been different had the referee made the correct decisions.

"There wasn't a penalty, and there was no red card for elbowing Gatti," Tudor raged in his post-match comments, according to TuttoJuve.

"If Mr. Rapuano's whistles had gone in a different direction. I've never seen anything like it, an even greater disgrace with the VAR."

The Croatian coach argued that both incidents, the penalty award and Orban’s booking — were incorrectly judged and ultimately influenced the outcome of the game.

"They come to explain to us how to interpret the facts.

"They make different decisions: only someone who's never played football would think that Joao Mario's move deserved a penalty. The scene changes, not the outcome.

"When the second incriminating incident enters the picture. "Do you know what the referee told me at halftime?

"That the yellow card was correct because Orban didn't charge before hitting and bringing down Gatti. But how can you do that? So if I punch you without charging, is that okay?"

Despite the controversy, he will take encouragement from scoring his first goal for the club and will be eager to build on it as he looks to rediscover his best form.

Adeyemi Adewale

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