Juventus chief executive Damien Comolli has been suspended until March 31 by Serie A’s sports judge following his conduct towards the referee during Saturday’s defeat at leaders Inter Milan, the league confirmed on Tuesday.

The judge ruled that Comolli confronted referee Federico La Penna in the tunnel at half-time, adopting what was described as an “aggressive and gravely intimidating” manner. He was found to have attempted physical contact before being restrained by Juventus staff. In addition to the suspension, Comolli was fined €15,000.

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini was also sanctioned, receiving a suspension until February 27 for “heated and disrespectful” protests towards La Penna and offensive remarks directed at match officials, as reported by an assistant referee.

The disciplinary measures follow the controversial red card shown to defender Pierre Kalulu shortly before half-time. Kalulu was dismissed for a second yellow card after a challenge on Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni. Bastoni fell to the ground and appealed for a booking, indicating his shirt had been pulled, although television replays suggested there was no clear contact between the players.

Inter went on to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory with a last-minute goal, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points on 61, while Juventus sit fifth on 46 points from 25 matches.

Serie A referee designator Gianluca Rocchi later apologised, describing La Penna’s decision to dismiss Kalulu as “clearly wrong” and expressing frustration that VAR regulations do not allow intervention on second yellow card offences.