'Embarrassing. Pathetic. Disgraceful': Cagliari will NOT be punished over Moise Kean racial abuse
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been branded "embarrassing" for failing to punish Serie A club Cagliari over monkey chants directed at Juventus' Moise Kean, claiming the abuse was of "objectively limited relevance".
The nineteen-year-old forward, along with Alex Sandro and Blaise Mathuidi, was subject to monkey chants from Cagliari fans throughout a league match between the two sides on April 2. Kean responded by scoring in the 85th minute of a 2-0 win and celebrating with outstretched arms in front of the Cagliari ultra's stand, prompting an angry reaction.
His actions were initially criticized by Kean's teammate Leonardo Bonucci on social media - who in turn was admonished for claiming the blame for the incident was "50/50" between the player and the fans - but those words were later retracted by the Juventus captain.
FIGC took six weeks to investigate the incident, but communicated on Tuesday in a statement that the chants were of "objectively limited relevance" and failed to bring any sanctions to Cagliari for the abuse.
The decision has led to widespread anger and frustration from the wider football community, many of whom have labeled the association "inept" and the decision "disgusting". Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation, called the decision "Embarrassing. Pathetic. Disgraceful."
So the utterly inept @SerieA/@FIGC have decided not to punish Cagliari for their abuse of Moise Kean, insisting – & I quote – the chants had "an objectively limited relevance"An absolute fucking joke & a complete disgrace. https://t.co/8ma7CmB2PG
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) May 14, 2019
BREAKING: Serie A have confirmed that Cagliari will not face any punishment for the racist chanting aimed at Moise Kean in April.Terrible decision from Serie A. They should be ashamed...😡 #NoToRacismpic.twitter.com/hUr3q7yEg1
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) May 14, 2019
BREAKING: Serie A have confirmed Cagliari will not face any punishment for racist chanting aimed at Moise Kean in April.Disgusting, how are we meant to tackle racism in football when clubs are getting away with things like this?! pic.twitter.com/v0fXJX6qb2
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) May 14, 2019
Embarrassing. Pathetic. Disgraceful.Racism will never be kicked out of football while decisions like this continue to take place - @FIGC should hang their heads in shame. https://t.co/OIHO7naML5
— Kick It Out (@kickitout) May 14, 2019
😞 Serie A have decided NOT to punish Caliagri fans after they racially abused Juventus striker Moise Kean. Absolutely disgusting. pic.twitter.com/FTHNfWbfOx
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) May 14, 2019