Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has apologised for making homophobic comments to Inter’s Roberto Mancini during the Partenopei’s 2-0 defeat to the Nerazzurri.
Sarri allegedly involved in an altercation with his opposite number when the opposing tactician left his dugout question the fourth official’s decision for five additional minutes.
However the 57-year-old has claimed his slur was simply out of frustration and not meant in an offensive manner.
“I was annoyed by Dries Mertens’s red card, ” said Sarri to Rai Sport. “I was not angry with Mancini.
“I reacted when he complained about the injury time, but things like this can happen during a game and they shouldn’t be talked about afterwards.
“It would have been better if it hadn’t happened, but I was very angry. I apologised afterwards and he should have accepted it.
“I did not mean to be homophobic, this is an exaggeration. I was simply enraged by the red card.”
Sarri also said he did not mean to discriminate against anyone and that he’s heard much worse on a football pitch.
“I have heard and seen worse during matches, when you’re under stress these things can happen. I have no stance on homosexuality.”
