Gianluigi Buffon Criticizes VAR Procedure After Controversial Red Card in Juventus vs. Inter Derby d'Italia
Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon expresses frustration with VAR limitations and referee decisions following Pierre Kalulu's incorrect red card during the fiery clash against Inter in the Derby d'Italia. The incident has reignited the debate over officiating consistency in Italian football.
Juventus icon Gianluigi Buffon has hit out at the "insane" limitations of VAR after Pierre Kalulu was controversially sent off in the Derby d'Italia defeat to Inter last month. The former goalkeeper questioned the current officiating standards in Serie A following the high-profile blunder as he expressed his frustration with the process.The Derby d'Italia was marred by controversy as Juventus defender Kalulu was dismissed following a second yellow card for a challenge on Alessandro Bastoni. Replays showed minimal contact, leading to widespread criticism of the decision that saw Juve play with 10 men in their 3-2 defeat against Inter.Despite the gravity of the call, VAR was unable to intervene due to current protocols prohibiting the review of second yellow cards. The incident has reignited the debate over officiating consistency and the rigid rules governing technology in Italian football.The Italian legend lamented the incident and questioned the VAR procedure and the referee's leadership. He told Il Messaggero: "This confirms how important and necessary intervention is to resolve issues like the Kalulu case. How is it possible not to intervene in such a serious incident? Who could have imagined such a thing? It's a procedure that drives you crazy."The head of the Italian delegation also called for a better understanding of physical play, adding: "In physical contact, something must be reviewed; it doesn't always have to be a foul. There must be a confrontation between those playing football and the referee. If everything is whistled, the players will immediately understand it and will always throw themselves to the ground."Buffon also addressed the fallout involving Inter’s Bastoni, who faced criticism for his role in the dismissal and subsequently issued an apology. The legendary keeper confirmed he had spoken with the defender.“We spoke. I found everything a bit excessive," Buffon noted. "Things will inevitably fade away. He's paying far more than he deserves." Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingKalulu himself addressed Bastoni's apology, saying: "The match is over now, we have to look ahead and not think about it anymore. I'll only say that it's a shame."He later revealed he dealt with the social media fury by turning off his phone and refusing to engage, adding: "Many people spoke, but in the end, the suspension remained. It's better to leave it all behind me."
Buffon's Critique of VAR Procedure
Gianluigi Buffon, renowned for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and football acumen, slammed the VAR limitations after Pierre Kalulu's controversial red card in the recent Juventus vs. Inter clash. The former goalkeeper questioned the officiating standards and expressed his exasperation with the process, highlighting the need for intervention to rectify such serious errors.
Controversial Red Card Incident
The Derby d'Italia encounter witnessed Pierre Kalulu receiving a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal for a challenge on Alessandro Bastoni, which sparked widespread backlash due to minimal contact. Despite the contentious nature of the decision, VAR was unable to intervene, fueling discussions on the rigidity of technological reviews and the challenges facing referees in Serie A.
Buffon's Perspective on Officiating Consistency
Buffon emphasized the importance of establishing a better understanding of physical play to avoid excessively penalizing players for legitimate challenges. He called for a balanced approach that allows for on-field confrontations without immediately penalizing every instance of physical contact, fostering a more nuanced relationship between players and referees.
Response from Inter's Bastoni and Kalulu
Following the controversy, both Alessandro Bastoni and Pierre Kalulu addressed the aftermath of the incident. While Bastoni issued an apology for his involvement in the red card decision, Kalulu emphasized the need to move forward and not dwell on the past. Kalulu revealed his coping strategy amid social media backlash by disconnecting and focusing on the future.



