Cagliari president suspends himself

Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has suspended himself after inviting fans to a match which had been ordered to be played behind closed doors.

Due to security concerns over the potential arrival of supporters, authorities cancelled the Serie A fixture which was due to be played at the newly-built Is Arenas, resulting in intended opponents Roma gaining all three points without having to set foot on the pitch.

“It was considered necessary out of a sense of duty to the club, the city, the fans and the sporting authorities, especially as it will allow the president to freely defend himself in all courts,” explained Cellino in a statement released on the club’s website.

Cellino’s error has extended Cagliari’s search for their first league win of the season to four games, having already accumulated a defeat and two draws prior to the weekend.

“Cellino believes the time has come to proceed towards a definitive and constructive clarification of his position, without it affecting Cagliari Calcio,” the statement continued.

“He will return from America to Italy so that he can protect his interests when faced with decisions that were made with scant knowledge of the enormous and shocking problems experienced over the last few months.

“There have been clear misunderstandings and a lack of sensibility shown towards the efforts Cagliari Calcio have made, directly and without support, to guarantee football at the highest level in Sardinia.”