Juventus goalkeeper, Gigi Buffon has escaped a game ban following a viral video on social media that showed the legend using a blasphemous word during the Parma-Juventus game last weekend.
However, the Disciplinary Commission punished Roma player, Bryan Cristante for the same act last week.
The 42-year-old appeared to be reproaching young midfielder, Manolo Portanova in the final minutes of the Ennio Tardini clash on Saturday.
“I want to see you stay there, running and suffering. I don’t care about anything else,” Buffon said before using a blasphemous word.
Despite the act, the Disciplinary Commission did not suspend the Juventus goalkeeper because the blasphemy had not been heard by the referee. Since the referee didn’t hear it, he couldn’t provide evidence to the Federal Prosecutor that could lead to the punishment of the 2006 Italy World Cup winner.
Controversy trails alleged blasphemy by Buffon
Although these words were allegedly uttered to his fellow teammate, it has led to some controversy in Italy as Cristante got a one-match suspension for the same reason laswt week.
His case was reported to the authorities because the referee heard and it was reported by the Federal Prosecutor.
The Sports Jurdge sanctioned the Giallorossi midfielder for uttering a blasphemous expression during Saturday’s match against Bologna, which automatically ruled him out of the Serie A week 12 game against Torino.
“The Sports Judge gave the verdict after receiving a formal report from the Federal Prosecutor regarding the conduct of the player.
“[Cristante] pronounced a blasphemous expression at the 23rd minute of the first half. The relative TV images acquired and examined, with a full technical and documentary guarantee; considering that the player in question was clearly framed by the TV footage while uttering a blasphemous expression, identifiable and audible without margins of reasonable doubt,” the statement said.
It could be said that Buffon was lucky to escape from this. As a legend, he ought to show a good example knowing fully well that such expression does not have his place in football.
Such comment made by Buffon could demoralize a player and made him have low-self esteem.
