Napoli manager Sarri handed 2-match ban for alleged homophobic insults
Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has received a two-match ban and a €20,000 fine for allegedly making homophobic remarks toward Inter Milan counterpart Roberto Mancini, Lega Serie A confirmed Thursday.
Sarri received the suspension for "directing insulting epithets to the coach of the opposing team," according to a league statement. He'll serve it only in the Coppa Italia starting next season, as Inter eliminated Napoli from this year's competition.
Related: Inter's Mancini condemns Napoli's Sarri for making homophobic remarks
The incident in question occurred in stoppage time, when the bench bosses engaged in a heated exchange on the touchline. Mancini claimed in a post-match interview that Sarri called him a "faggot," adding "men like him cannot be a part of football."
Sarri said he apologized to Mancini and denied having any problems with the gay community.
Mancini also earned a €5,000 fine for being "disrespectful" toward the fourth official and "taking an intimidating attitude toward the opposition's coach."
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