'Correct to give a red card' – Ref chief insists Gift Orban deserved dismissal against Juventus

Hellas Verona striker Gift Orban has been thrust into the spotlight following controversy over refereeing decisions in his team’s Serie A clash with Juventus. 

Italian refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi admitted that Orban should have been sent off during the match, a decision that has since sparked heated debate.

The incident was dissected on Open VAR, a DAZN program where officials review communications between referees and the VAR room. 

Rocchi said that the yellow card shown to Orban on the night was insufficient. 

"In this case, it was correct to give a red card. The player looked at his opponent, and he should have given a red card on the pitch," Rocchi explained, as quoted by Calciomercato.

"VAR and AVAR handled the matter too quickly

The acknowledgment came amid wider criticism of referee Antonio Rapuano’s handling of the match, which also featured a controversial penalty for a handball by Joao Mario. 

Juventus coach Igor Tudor expressed his frustration post-match, singling out both incidents. 

Rocchi conceded that while Tudor’s anger was understandable, he urged him to moderate his tone. 

"In the case of Orban, he’s right, but excessive tone isn’t appropriate. I’m asking for cooperation, otherwise it’ll turn into a row,” Rocchi said.

For Orban, the fallout has added to the scrutiny surrounding his performances since joining Verona. 

Known for his attacking threat and physical presence, the Nigerian forward now finds his reputation linked to one of the most talked-about refereeing errors of the season.

Rocchi hinted that disciplinary action could follow for officials involved, reinforcing the principle of meritocracy. 

Wale Adejumo

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