An Italian referee has reportedly been banned for a vile comment directed towards a player during a match.
Gabriele Caggiari has been banned for two years after he made a disgraceful comment towards a player during a Serie D match between Pro Sesto and Club Milano in November 2024.
As reported by Gazzetta, the incident came to light when Pro Sesto midfielder Alessandro Sala asked his coach if he could be replaced due to the offensive words being cast his way by the referee.
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While sitting on the bench, Sala was then dismissed by Caggiari and later banned for four games – a decision which was then suspended.
Pro Sesto immediately reported the incident, complaining about "gratuitous and disrespectful phrases from the referee", who even wished the player to get cancer during an argument.
Sala posted a photograph of his mother, who had battled cancer previously, on social media in the hours that followed the incident.
Sala wrote: “I think that life gives you emotions and important moments, but it also puts you to the test. I just wanted to show the smile on the face of illness of a strong and determined woman, a woman who has always made sacrifices despite everything to always see the smile of her children on her face.
“Something really bad happened in the last match I played, and I think that before wishing certain things, you should think and understand the gravity of what you say, especially if you represent those who must always keep respect on the field and enforce the rules".
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The matter was investigated by the federal prosecutor, and the ruling was made by the National Federal Court.
And according to a report by L’Unione Sarda, this was not the first time such an incident had occurred involving Caggiari.
During a match between Atletico Uri and Latte Dolce in Coppa Italia Serie D, Atletico Uri’s captain Alessio Fadda and coach Massimiliano Paba highlighted some ‘questionable’ decisions from the referee.
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Paba explained how Caggiari then began insulting staff members and players.
“Hard words and unacceptable insults from someone who should set an example and be a guarantor of respect," Paba said.
"A real shame, the teams were facing each other openly. I had already noticed from the first half that the referee had no predisposition for dialogue. In the second half, something happened that was far from football, at least from the one we contemplate."
Luke Davies