In 2010, a “blasphemy law” was introduced in Italy, which resulted in sanctions against a number of sports stars
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon be found guilty of using an alleged blasphemous phrase after confronting an amateur during a game against Parma on December 19.
The incident relates to a comment made during a conversation with his teammate Manolo Portanova in the 80th minute of Bianconeri’s 4-0 victory over the former team of Buffon.
The Italian federation opened a post-game investigation and confirmed on Tuesday that the case had been brought to the country’s federal court. If convicted, Buffon will likely be banned from playing.
In 2010, a “blasphemy law” was introduced in Italy, which has resulted in sanctions against a number of sports stars.
In December 2020, the midfielder of the RomaBryan Cristante was suspended from one game for uttering blasphemy during the 5-1 win over Bologna.
“[Cristante] uttered a blasphemous expression in the 23rd minute of the first half, “the A competition it is a statement.
“The player in question was clearly framed by television material while uttering a blasphemous phrase that is without a reasonable doubt recognizable and audible.”
Former Juventus midfielder Rolando Mandragora was also banned from his stay with Udinese in 2018, while Sassuolo’s Francesco Magnanelli and Parma’s Matteo Scozzarella, now at Monza in Serie B, were punished in 2019.