Hellas Verona have denied that a social media statement circulating online was written by Gift Orban following his controversial dismissal in their 2-1 Serie A defeat to Parma.
Orban was shown a straight red card in the 11th minute of the match after an incident in midfield.
The forward had been held back by a Parma player who appeared to pull him during play.
After the challenge, Orban approached referee Luca Pairetto to express his frustration.
To the surprise of players and supporters, the referee produced a straight red card.
According to the match official, the decision was taken because Orban directed insulting language toward him.
The early dismissal forced Verona to play with ten men for the remainder of the contest.
Parma went on to secure a 2-1 victory, extending Verona’s losing streak to ten matches in Serie A. The club now sit six points behind the safety positions in the relegation battle.
Shortly after the game, a post surfaced on X from an account bearing Orban’s name.
The message read, “Sent off for protesting a decision. As a Black player in Italy, I cannot ignore how often we are treated differently. I love the game, and all I ask for is fairness, respect, and equal treatment on the pitch.”
Sent off for protesting a decision. As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently.
I love the game, and all I ask for is fairness, respect, and equal treatment on the pitch❤️ https://t.co/42hkihWgev
— Gift Orban (@GiftOrban_) February 15, 2026
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Hellas Verona responds swiftly
In an official clarification, the club distanced the player from the post:
“In relation to a post published today on a social media profile on X attributed to Gift Orban, Hellas Verona clarifies that this profile does not belong to Gift Orban.”
The red card carries an automatic suspension under Serie A regulations. While a straight dismissal typically results in a one match ban, the sanction could be extended to two matches if the disciplinary authorities uphold the referee’s report citing insulting language.
