As it’s reported next season video evidence will be used to penalise discriminatory insults, Maurizio Sarri apologises for his Roberto Mancini row.
The issue of discriminatory insults hit the headlines in recent weeks with two incidents, as Napoli Coach Sarri used a homophobic slur during a touchline row with Inter boss Mancini, then Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi was caught on camera calling Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic “a gypsy.”
As it’s reported next season video evidence will be used to penalise discriminatory insults, Maurizio Sarri apologises for his Roberto Mancini row.
The issue of discriminatory insults hit the headlines in recent weeks with two incidents, as Napoli Coach Sarri used a homophobic slur during a touchline row with Inter boss Mancini, then Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi was caught on camera calling Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic “a gypsy.”
De Rossi was not penalised because the current rules for use of video evidence do not cover such insults, used only if there is blasphemy – the worst possible type of swearing in Italian culture.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, as of next season video evidence will be used to clamp down on insults that are discriminatory against race, ethnicity, religion or sex.
If found using such slurs, players risk up to a 10-match ban.
Meanwhile, Sarri conducted an interview with TV presenter and gay rights activist Alessandro Cecchi Paone in the magazine Chi.
“There have been gay people in football, there are now and there will be in future. I hope this whole incident, born badly and ended well, can help people move forward and come into the open,” said the Napoli Coach.
“The problems on the touchline came just from technical rivalry. I was trying to hit Mancini on the fact he always steps on to the field dressed up to the nines, as if he’s going to a dinner reception.
“I wanted to use the term ‘Fighetto’ – show-off – not something to do with sexual preference! The truth is, I am a proper Tuscan and I tend to swear a lot. I was wrong, I admit it.”