Cagliari boss Rolando Maran insists his club’s fans “aren’t racist” as “I didn’t hear any chants aimed at Romelu Lukaku” during their match with Inter.
Cagliari were cleared of racism on Tuesday, despite their supporters clearly making what sounded like monkey noises while Lukaku was celebrating a match-winning penalty before the international break.
Cagliari boss Rolando Maran insists his club’s fans “aren’t racist” as “I didn’t hear any chants aimed at Romelu Lukaku” during their match with Inter.
Cagliari were cleared of racism on Tuesday, despite their supporters clearly making what sounded like monkey noises while Lukaku was celebrating a match-winning penalty before the international break.
“Incidents must be condemned, but from the pitch I didn’t hear chants aimed at Lukaku or even Conte,” Maran said at a Press conference.
“Cagliari supporters aren’t racist.”
The Coach then previewed his side’s visit of Genoa in Serie A tomorrow.
“I’ll pick my team while considering all the necessary factors,” he said at a Press conference.
“I have my forwards. I have Simeone, Joao, Cerri and even Birsa. Castro’s in a bit of bother, but he was ready last Sunday.
“I still have to assess many things before picking who to play. Our squad gives us important opportunities. Those who stay outside of it deserve to play.
“We must think that having these lads is an opportunity. I think there’s healthy competition in the squad.
“I liked the team against Parma very much. We showed great sacrifice and great application. I think it was a really important clash for us: we wanted the victory.
“As for not winning at home for five months, it absolutely weighs on us. Tomorrow we have an important occasion.
“We’re aware of what we want. We trained well to win the game. Our objective is to grow. We know where we want to go and we have to apply it on in the field.
“Genoa have won in the Coppa Italia, scored three goals in Rome [against Roma], beat Fiorentina and lost to Atalanta over an incident.
“In short, they’re a strong team who are doing well. We know the game will be difficult, so we must be aware that it won’t be easy.”
Finally the 56-year-old then criticised VAR for taking some of the passion out of football.
“There are some aspects that the VAR – which has brought about improvements – cannot solve.
“For someone who lives this sport passionately, it certainly doesn’t help. It holds you back, but it has some positive aspects.”