Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri could face a four-month ban after Inter coach Roberto Mancini slammed him for making homophobic slurs.
Mancini was left furious in the closing stages of his side’s 2-0 win over the Partenopei in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night, and was sent off as his players celebrated their second goal in stoppage time.
However, he publicly hit out at his opposite number in his post-game interview and revealed that the Italian coach had apologised to him in the locker room after but had played down the incident.
Sarri noted after the encounter that he had forgotten what he had said and insisted that these things happen, but it has been reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Mancini will take the incident further.
The former Manchester City boss has reportedly spoken with a legal team to make an inquiry about what can be done. As a result, it has been suggested that a four-month ban is possible based on the rules of the FIGC for “discriminatory behaviour and any offence based on sex or sexual preference.”
Although the referee wasn’t in the vicinity of the incident, the fourth official is said to have heard the dispute and will likely play a key role in the outcome of the developing situation.
Napoli currently sit two points clear at the top of the Serie A table, but a suspension for Sarri would certainly be a huge blow for them as the Naples native has made a significant impact since arriving last summer.