Cellini: Cagliari fans are not racist

(GSM) – Cagliari president Massimo Cellini feels it was wrong referee Paolo Tagliavento’s part to halt his side’s game against Internazionale after hearing what he thought was racist abuse from the terraces at Stadio Sant’Elia.

The referee halted the match for over a minute following a chorus of boos from the home fans reached a crescendo when Inter striker Samuel Eto’o touched the ball.

The referee requested an announcement be made over the public address system warning the spectators that the game would be suspended if any racially-motivated chants were heard.

However, Cellini claims Tagliavento misunderstood the reaction of the fans.

“It was certainly an error of judgment,” Cellini told Rai television. “Racist incidents do not happen here in Cagliari.

“I can exclude that categorically. Our fans are not like that.”

The game restarted after two announcements were made to the crowd.

Eto’o went on to score the winning goal in Inter’s 1-0 triumph.