Italian referee Fabio Maresca has reportedly been suspended from European officiating duties after allegedly threatening to kill a player during a match in the Kuwait Premier League.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, involved Kuwait Premier League star Khaled Al Murshed, who claimed that Maresca told him,
“See you next time, I’ll kill you.”
However, another player insisted that Maresca simply said, “See you next time,” without any further remark, according to “Corriere della Sera.”
Following the accusation, Maresca was removed as the fourth official for Tuesday’s Champions League match between PSV and Sporting Lisbon.
In spite of the allegations, Maresca, a veteran referee who has officiated in European competitions since 2018, has maintained that the comment was meant as a joke, and he is not expected to face punishment in the country where the incident occurred.
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The situation serves as a reminder that leaders in any field must be mindful of their words and actions, especially under pressure.
While Maresca has avoided severe consequences for now, the incident has undoubtedly impacted his reputation.
As a result, other officials and leaders can learn from this situation, understanding the importance of maintaining professionalism, even in the heat of the moment.