GIANLUCA ROCCHI, AN unemployed Italian man, has received death threats, after he was confused with his namesake – a Serie A referee.
The referee came under fire after he made a number of errors during Napoli’s 3-0 win over Inter.
During the game, the referee controversially sent off Inter’s John Obi, and also awarded a penalty for Napoli, even though replays proved that the foul occurred outside the box.
And the 44-year-old unemployed man said it was not the only occasion he had received angry phone calls following a poor performance from the referee.
Speaking to a local newspaper, he said:
“It’s not the first time it’s happened and that’s also why I follow the Florentine referee’s performances to see if I need to expect some telephone threats.”
Following Saturday’s game, Inter’s players and staff expressed their anger with the referee’s performance, while the media were also critical of the official.
