Tensions flared at the Stadio dei Marmi following a dramatic 3-3 draw between Carrarese Calcio and US Catanzaro 1929 in Italy’s Serie B.
The late equaliser by the visiting side sparked anger among home supporters, who directed their protests toward Gianluca Rocchi, head of referee appointments for the Italian Referees Association (AIA). Rocchi had attended the match in the stands to evaluate the performance of the officiating team.
The controversy centred on a penalty awarded to Carrarese in stoppage time. The spot kick was initially converted, but the referee ordered it to be retaken due to alleged infringements inside the penalty area. The retake ultimately altered the outcome of the play, and moments later Catanzaro managed to score the equaliser.
The final whistle triggered loud protests from the home crowd, who saw the decision as excessively strict. Fans hurled symbolic banknotes toward the stands, a gesture in Italian football culture that sarcastically implies corruption or bias.
Police officers escorted Rocchi out of the stadium to prevent the situation from escalating further.
In the hours following the match, Carrarese released a statement seeking to downplay the incident. The club stressed that the protest did not involve violence or physical aggression and disputed reports circulating in some media outlets. According to the club, spectators left the stadium in an orderly manner under the supervision of security personnel.
The club’s management also reaffirmed its “respect and appreciation” for Rocchi while distancing itself from any form of protest that goes beyond civil sporting debate.