Advertisement
Fabio Lucioni (file pic). SIPA USA/PA Images
Apology

Benevento captain sorry for Instagram death posts following one-year doping ban

‘These words are neither my thoughts nor my way of behaving,’ Fabio Lucioni wrote.

BENEVENTO CAPTAIN FABIO Lucioni has apologised after posts appeared on his Instagram account wishing death on those who imposed a one-year doping ban on him.

Italy’s anti-doping authority NADO banned the 30-year-old defender on Tuesday after testing positive for the steroid clostebol following Benevento’s 1-0 loss to Torino in September.

Team doctor Walter Giorgione admitted he was to blame and he was also banned for four years by NADO for administering the steroid to Lucioni in a spray.

Posts appeared on Lucioni’s Instagram account Wednesday in which he hoped that those responsible for his suspension “wake up tomorrow morning … frozen… and that to transport you mahogany boxes are needed”.

But the defender later posted a rectification, again on Instagram.

“I apologise personally and I want to clarify that the profile in question, is managed by third parties, who have been promptly dismissed. These words are neither my thoughts nor my way of behaving,” said Luciano.

Lucioni joined Benevento in 2014 and had helped the team from outside Naples move from the third division up into Serie A this season for the first time.

“I played all levels and finally got to Serie A when I was 30 years. My childhood dream has been taken from me,” the player said earlier Wednesday.

“I was hoping for a different justice and will continue to fight this disqualification.”

Benevento reignited their campaign with two straight wins — their first ever in the top flight — just before the winter break.

They had previously broken a European record with 14 consecutive defeats from the start of the season before earning their first Serie A point in December when their goalkeeper scored an injury time equaliser against AC Milan.

They then lost another three matches in a row before running up home wins over Chievo and Sampdoria.

The Serie A tailenders now have seven points from 20 games going into Sunday’s trip to Bologna and are nine points from safety.

© AFP 2018

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

‘I’m trying to live as much of a professional lifestyle as I can’: Chin on life as a full-time hurler

Joey jumps in, surprise omissions and more talking points as Ireland name Six Nations squad

Your Voice
Readers Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel