Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was fined 5,000 euros (USD 6,000) by the Italian Football Federation for using a “blasphemous expression” during the Seriea A game against Parma on December 19.
An investigation in the matter was opened by the Italian FA after the match, with Buffon facing the possibility of a one-match ban. However, the 43-year-old reportedly escaped a ban for the offence, as per reports.
Buffon was overheard using the expression ‘Porco Dio’ while reprimanding teammate Manolo Portanova during the match, which Juventus won 4-0. The expression roughly translates to “God is a pig”. An audio recording of the same has emerged.
The former Italian international holds the record for most Serie A matches played (653) to date.
The Italian federation have been strict with its disciplinary actions against players or coaches for “disrespecting God or the sacred” since a ‘blasphemy law’ was introduced in 2010. Reports said that this season, thanks to empty stadiums, microphones and cameras have been able to capture more heated exchanges between players and coaches, and penalties have increased.
In December last year, AS Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was handed a one-match ban for using a blasphemous phrase which was picked up by cameras.
Lazio’s Manuel Lazzari was also suspended for a match this season for a similar offence.
