Leonardo Bonucci has finally responded after fierce criticism for blaming Moise Kean for being subjected to racist abuse in Juventus' win against Cagliari.
The Italian forward scored the second goal in the 2-0 victory, celebrating in front of the home supporters after previously receiving abuse throughout the match.
The abuse intensified thereafter, but instead of fully condemning the Cagliari supporters, Bonucci claimed Kean was "50-50 to blame," attracting widespread criticism, including that from Raheem Sterling.
Bonucci has finally responded though, posting a picture of himself with Kean from an Italy international and adding the following message.
"Regardless of everything, in any case... No to racism," Bonucci wrote, adding a tensed arm emoji.
Bonucci initially stated Kean should have focused on celebrating his teammates and that he could have "done something differently."
“Kean knows that when he scores a goal, he has to focus on celebrating with his teammates. He knows he could’ve done something differently too,” Bonucci said afterwards.
“There were racist jeers after the goal, Blaise heard it and was angered. I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn’t have done that and the Curva should not have reacted that way.
“We are professionals, we have to set the example and not provoke anyone."
Manager Massimiliano Allegri also criticised Kean for the manner of his celebration before condemning the crowd for their actions.
“He shouldn’t have celebrated in that manner,” Allegri said.
“He is a young man and he has to learn, but certain things from the crowd also shouldn’t be heard.”
“You need great intelligence to deal with these situations and should not go to provoke people. That, of course, does not mean the idiots in the crowd and the way they reacted should be justified,” the Juventus boss said.
“As always in life, there are idiots who do stupid things and ruin it for everyone else. I don’t think talking about it all the time helps. I don’t think halting play helps, because not everyone in the stadium did that.
“We need to use the cameras, find those who are doing it and punish them. It’s very simple, identify them and not one-year ban or two, just give them a lifetime ban.
“We’ve got the technology, it can be done if the authorities want to. The problem is, they don’t really want to.”
