Maurizio Sarri’s alleged homophobic comments have sparked debate between two of Italy’s biggest gay rights organisations.
The issue emerged after a touchline row during Napoli’s 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Inter last night and Roberto Mancini accused Sarri of using homophobic slurs.
Maurizio Sarri’s alleged homophobic comments have sparked debate between two of Italy’s biggest gay rights organisations.
The issue emerged after a touchline row during Napoli’s 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Inter last night and Roberto Mancini accused Sarri of using homophobic slurs.
“We’ve been appealing to the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) for months to impose severe sanctions on homophobic insults that occur on football pitches and beyond,” said Antonello Sannino, delegate of the Arcigay association.
“It is truly absurd to see some very strong homophobic insults passed off as simple banter. This is one of the reasons why many young people abandon football.
“I want to point out I am not in any way pointing the finger at Sarri, because it would be futile. What I want to make clear is that this type of insult happens on the pitch every single day at all levels without anyone noticing.
“I want to make an important appeal to Sarri, inviting him to our march for LGBT rights on Saturday. I’d also be happy to meet Sarri face to face.
“I just hope this affair can help everyone move something forward. This is an important ‘assist’ to provide genuine change.”
The first openly gay Mayor in the Campania region, Giorgio Zinno of San Giorgio a Cremano, also urged a dialogue.
“Obviously Sarri’s words are to be stigmatised, because insults should not be allowed in football or in sport. Having said that, football pitches are still venues where insults are traded and set a poor example.
“I wouldn’t call the Napoli Coach homophobic. In a moment of rage he brought out his baser instincts and vented his frustration in a bad way. It’s also true this story has brought out a lot of false defenders of gay rights who wouldn’t care less in everyday life.
“If this row sparked people to genuinely take an interest in gay rights, then I’d welcome it, but instead I fear they will go back to watching football and shouting at the opposition rather than caring for others.
“It’s also fair to say I was at the stadium and the words you hear bandied about are terrible. Let’s be scandalised by all insults of that nature and not try to make a storm in a teacup.”
Another gay rights association, Gay Center, called for a lengthy ban for Sarri.
“Sarri already made homophobic comments two years ago,” declared spokesman Fabrizio Marrazzo.
“As a Neapolitan and Napoli fan, I am ashamed of Sarri’s words and we demand an exemplary punishment. We hope football can launch a genuine campaign against homophobia, as such a popular sport cannot allow for violent messages.”