Former Cagliari coach Giorgio Melis has ‘categorically denied’ racially abusing Fafa Picault, claiming that ‘I really have no words, I’m aghast’.
Now, the trainer has issued a statement to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, arguing why the allegations of racism were untrue.
Former Cagliari coach Giorgio Melis has ‘categorically denied’ racially abusing Fafa Picault, claiming that ‘I really have no words, I’m aghast’.
Now, the trainer has issued a statement to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, arguing why the allegations of racism were untrue.
“He can’t be referring to me,” he told the Sky Sport Italia journalist.
“I categorically deny everything. I haven’t heard his comments, but they’ve been brought to my attention. I really have no words.
“I brought him to Italy. I picked him from an academy in Miami and I’d never have allowed let myself to disrespect someone.
“He spoke of some monkey-shaped figures in the locker room, but I think he got the places muddled up: there were no lockers in the dressing room at Assemini.
“On top of that, I’d never have tolerated such attitudes, even if they had come from others.
“We even banned tattoos and earrings, let alone [racist remarks]. It makes my skin crawl just thinking about it.
“We had so many foreign kids and never had a problem with any of them. With a President like Cellino, it could never have happened. Think of his relationship with Suazo, for example…
“I picked him from the Strike Force academy in Miami and talked to his family directly.
“I knew his parents well, they invited me to dinner at their home and they also came to visit him in Sardinia.
“I wonder why Fafa didn’t talk about this before. For me, it was a bolt from the blue. I really don't know what else to say, I’m aghast.”