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.”