Blaise Matuidi has said he was racially abused during Juventus’s 1-0 win at Cagliari, two days after Verona were hit by a suspended partial stadium ban and a fine after their fans racially abused the Frenchman.
The 30-year-old, who joined Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, made clear his dismay on Facebook, writing: “Today I experienced racism during the match. Weak people try to intimidate with hate.”
He added: “I am not a hater and can only be sorry for those who set bad examples. Football is a way to spread equality, passion and inspiration and this is what I am here for. Peace. #equalgame”
Verona were punished after the game on 30 December, in which Matuidi scored. They were fined €20,000 and told that the south stand will be closed if such behaviour is repeated by fans inside the next 12 months.
Juventus’s win at Cagliari means they are second in the table after 20 games, one point behind the leaders Napoli.
