Share

Bonucci says he spoke 'too hastily', condemns 'all forms of racism'

Milan - Under-fire Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci said Wednesday he had been "too hasty" when blaming young team-mate Moise Kean for being partly responsible for racist insults hurled at him in a Serie A game at Cagliari.

"After 24 hours I want to clarify my feelings," said Bonucci, 31, on Instagram.

"Yesterday (Tuesday), I was interviewed right at the end of the game, and my words have been clearly misunderstood, probably because I was too hasty in the way I expressed my thoughts.

"Hours and years wouldn't be enough to talk about this topic.

"I firmly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. The abuses are not acceptable at all and this must not be misunderstood."

Kean, along with his French teammate Blaise Matuidi and Brazilian Alex Sandro, were targeted by monkey noises and jeers throughout the match in Sardinia.

But they increased in intensity after 19-year-old Kean scored the second goal in a 2-0 win.

The Italian international celebrated with his hands outstretched in front of the Cagliari fans, taking to Instagram later to say his actions were "the best way to respond to racism".

But Bonucci had said after the game that Kean should not have provoked the home supporters and claimed his teammate was partly to blame.

"I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn't have done that and the Curva (Cagliari fans) should not have reacted that way," said Bonucci.

"We are professionals, we have to set the example and not provoke anyone."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 915 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 443 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE