CALIARI, Italy (AP) – Udinese forward Keiynan Davies has accused Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of calling him a “monkey” during Saturday’s Serie A match. Dossena denied any wrongdoing.
In the final stages of Udinese’s 2-0 win over Cagliari, Davis, who is black, became furious at comments from the stands and warned the referee.
Tensions then escalated as Davis and Dossena had to be separated by their teammates as the final whistle sounded.
Davis posted an Instagram Story after the match, tagging Dossena and using a photo of the player with the caption: “This racist coward called me a monkey during the game today. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this, but we’ll see.”
Dossena posted a statement on her Instagram account about an hour later.
“I feel sad and hurt when I am accused of racism,” Dossena wrote. “This is a very serious accusation and I would never think of putting such an insult against another person, a colleague.
“This is the first time a situation has arisen where I have had to defend myself against defamatory accusations. Such behavior is the furthest thing from my culture and upbringing.”
Udinese also released a statement, but did not mention Dossena by name.
“Udinese Calcio would like to express its utmost solidarity and full support to Keiynan Davis, who was subjected to a disgraceful racist insult by a player from the opposing team during this afternoon’s match,” the statement said.
“The club categorically condemns such deplorable behavior, which seriously tarnishes the image and values of the sport we love. Udinese will defend Keinan in every way and hopes for a speedy resolution of the incident by the sports judiciary, in which we have full confidence.”
Cagliari team-mates and coach Fabio Pisacane supported Dossena, saying they believed he had never made any racist comments.
“I’ve known Alberto Dossena for many years and I know what his values are, and it doesn’t occur to me that he might have said certain things,” Pisacane said. “I believe in this guy and I’m sorry for causing a stir after the game.
“I spoke to Alberto about the incident with Davis. I know him well and I believe in him. There was some pushing and shoving, which often happens on the field, but I have complete trust in the player.”
Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile added: “We spoke to Alberto and he is adamant that he did not say anything racist and we believe in Alberto. He is a family man and a man with important values.”
However, Udinese’s Nicolo Zaniolo claimed that Dossena was not only racist towards Davies, but also insulted his family.
“Today, my colleagues (if you can call me that) who insulted my children and disrespected my teammates because of the color of their skin should be ashamed and never step foot on a soccer field again,” Zaniolo wrote on his Instagram Story.
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