Italian side Hellas Verona have refuted claims that Nigerian striker Gift Orban took to social media to criticise the referee following his controversial red card in the defeat to Parma.

Orban, who joined Verona in the summer, was dismissed in the 11th minute after protesting a challenge from Enrico Del Prato in the centre circle.

The Nigerian striker, visibly frustrated by the challenge, gestured toward referee Luca Pairetto, who responded by issuing a straight red card, leaving the visitors to play the remainder of the contest with ten men.

Following the encounter, a post on X that was linked to the 24-year-old expressed frustration at the decision and raised concerns about racial treatment in Italian football. 

"Sent off for protesting a decision. As a Black player in Italy, I can’t ignore how often we’re treated differently," it wrote. 

"I love the game, and all I ask for is fairness, respect, and equal treatment on the pitch"

However, Verona have since moved to clear the air, stressing that the social media account in question is not owned or operated by the former Hoffenheim forward.

"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," Verona wrote on X.

Orban has been in solid form since joining Verona in the summer, registering seven goals and two assists in 22 league appearances.

Adeyemi Adewale