Juventus’ hopes for a strong finish in Serie A suffered a major blow following Pierre Kalulu’s red card against Lazio, a moment that not only changed the course of the match but also effectively ended the defender’s season. The incident, reminiscent of Kenan Yildiz’s recent dismissal, has left the club facing both disciplinary and squad challenges as the campaign nears its conclusion.
The Incident: A Costly Red Card
With Juventus holding a narrow lead and just over 30 minutes left to play, Pierre Kalulu was sent off for striking Lazio’s Valentin Castellanos. Initially, the referee did not penalize the action, but a VAR review revealed the violent conduct, resulting in a straight red card. This left Juventus with ten men for the remainder of the match, and they ultimately conceded a late equalizer, dropping crucial points in the race for a Champions League spot.
Season Over for Kalulu
The red card means Kalulu is set for a minimum two-match ban, mirroring the punishment handed to Yildiz for a similar offense earlier in the season. With only two league games remaining, this effectively ends Kalulu’s first season at Juventus, barring any unexpected changes from the sporting judge. His absence is a significant setback for coach Igor Tudor, who must now contend with a depleted defence during the most critical stretch of the season.
Internal Discipline: Fine to Follow
Juventus are also taking internal action. As per club policy, Kalulu will receive a financial penalty for his conduct, similar to the sanction imposed on Yildiz. The fine, estimated to be between 50,000 and 60,000 euros, is calculated as a fixed percentage of the player’s salary. In line with Juventus tradition, the funds collected from such fines are directed toward charitable causes.
