Victor Osimhen’s representative has warned Napoli of potential legal consequences following the release of a video on the club’s official social media platform that made fun of the Nigerian striker’s missed penalty during the recent goalless match against Bologna.
The TikTok video, which has since been removed, featured Osimhen’s penalty miss accompanied by a high-pitched voice saying “gimme penalty please,” leading to a strong reaction from Roberto Calenda.
“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable. A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted,” Calenda said on Twitter, now called X, late on Tuesday evening.
“(It is) A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.
“We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”
In the early stages of the season, Victor Osimhen has faced challenges while playing for Napoli, who have been struggling to find their form. Nevertheless, he has managed to score three goals in six appearances.
The 24-year-old has earned a special place in the hearts of Napoli fans after an outstanding performance last season, where he scored 31 goals across all competitions, helping Napoli secure their first league title since 1990.
Osimhen, who attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester United during the summer transfer window, is currently in talks for a contract extension with Napoli. His current contract is set to expire in June 2025.
Napoli acquired Osimhen from Lille for an initial fee of 70 million euros a little over three years ago. This transfer is currently under investigation by Italian authorities.
On Tuesday Italian media reported that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is among those being investigated by prosecutors in Rome for allegedly falsely inflating the value of the transfer with four players sold to Lille as part of the deal.
Napoli are seventh in Serie A, seven points behind league leaders Inter Milan after winning just two of their opening five domestic matches.
Rudi Garcia’s side host Udinese on Wednesday before travelling to Lecce on Saturday and then welcoming Real Madrid to Naples on Tuesday night.
