INTER MILAN HAVE accepted an apology from Maurizio Sarri after Roberto Mancini accused the Napoli coach of using homophobic language.
Mancini claimed Sarri directed the slurs “frocio” and “finocchio” towards him on the touchline during Inter’s 2-0 victory in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday and labelled his opposite number’s behaviour “shameful”.
Sarri admitted it was “possible” he used such language during the game and apologised on the grounds that he was simply “irritable” and meant no offence.
On Thursday, Sarri was handed a two-game Coppa Italia suspension and a €20,000 fine for his behaviour, while Mancini was fined €5,000 for confronting Sarri and being “disrespectful” to the fourth official.
“Following the events that occurred during the recent TIM Cup match against SSC Napoli on Tuesday, January 19, FC Internazionale reiterates its full support to the coach Roberto Mancini and the ethical position that he assumed in the comments after the match,” an Inter statement reads.
“Since the founding of Inter in 1908 there is a belief that all players, regardless of nationality, language, religion, personal and social conditions and guidelines, are welcome at the club.
“For this reason, the definition of ‘Fratelli del Mondo’ (‘Brothers of the World’) still remains a core value for the club.
“But now the time has come to draw a line that can put an end to the many threads born during the last minutes of the match.
“Roberto Mancini and the club therefore wish to accept the apologies presented by Maurizio Sarri and from Napoli and hope that the media attention and the public can now return to Serie A and the Coppa Italia, [which are] especially exciting for the fans of both clubs and all contenders for national titles.”
