Maurizio Sarri insisted his row with Roberto Mancini “should stay on the pitch” after accusations of homophobic slurs.
The pair clashed on the touchline during the final minutes of Inter’s 2-0 Coppa Italia victory away to Napoli.
When speaking to Rai Sport afterwards, Mancini claimed Sarri was “a racist and homophobe who should be ashamed and drummed out of football” for his insults.
“It was the kind of argument that people have on the touchline or on the pitch,” shrugged Sarri.
“I apologised to him in the locker room, but I expected him to apologise to me too. I think what happened on the pitch should stay on the pitch.”
Did Sarri use those homophobic slurs?
“I can’t remember, it’s possible. I was fired up and angry, so I’m not sure what I said. Adrenaline does strange things to people and can trip you up. As far as I’m concerned, it was part of the game and at the 90th minute it’s all over.
“Am I homophobic? That seems over the top. I was just irritable. I said something out of rage at the Dries Mertens red card and I have nothing against Mancini. We are men of sport, these things happen, and it only lasted 10 seconds.
“I don’t know why Mancini was so offended. It has become something now that goes outside of the pitch and I wouldn’t have done that. I accept someone else might think differently.
“I apologised to him in private, I don’t know what more I can do. I’ll repeat it tomorrow, but it seemed to me a normal argument people have on the pitch.
“I will admit it wasn’t the right tone to take, but I’ve seen and heard worse on a football pitch. Under stress it can happen, I hope with a clear head Mancini changes his mind.
“I was not discriminating against anyone. If I did indeed use those words, then I apologise to the gay community.”
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