In 2010, a “Law against blasphemy” was introduced in Italy, which led to the sanctioning of a number of sports stars.
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could be found guilty of using an alleged blasphemous expression after confronting an amateur during a match against Parma on December 19.
The incident refers to a comment made while talking to his teammate Manolo Portanova in the 80th minute of the bianconeri’s 4-0 victory over the former team of Buffon.
The Italian federation opened a post-match investigation and confirmed on Tuesday that the case had been referred to the country’s federal court. If convicted, Buffon will likely receive a one-game ban.
In 2010, a “Law against blasphemy” was introduced in Italy, which led to the sanctioning of a number of sports stars.
In December 2020, the team’s midfielder RomaBryan Cristante received a one-match ban because he uttered a blasphemy during the 5-1 victory over Bologna.
“[Cristante] uttered a blasphemous expression in the 23rd minute of the first half, “the A league it is a statement.
“The player in question was clearly framed by the TV footage, while uttering a blasphemous, identifiable and audible expression, without a reasonable margin of doubt.”
Former Juve midfielder Rolando Mandragora was also suspended during his stay at Udinese in 2018, while Francesco Magnanelli of Sassuolo and Matteo Scozzarella of Parma, now at Monza in Serie B, were punished in 2019.