Leonardo Bonucci "expressed himself badly" when he offered his opinion on the racist abuse directed at teammate Moise Kean, according to Juventus boss Massimilano Allegri.
Bonucci said in a post-match interview that Kean should shoulder 50 per cent of the blame for the abuse which came his way during a Serie A match against Cagliari on Tuesday.
The Italian has since issued a clarification of sorts, saying he was "clearly misunderstood" and was "too hasty" in what he said after the match.
Allegri, who was himself criticised for saying Kean should not have celebrated scoring against Cagliari in the manner he did, tried to set the record straight at the club's press conference on Friday.
"Racism must always be fought against and is never justifiable," Allegri said.
"With his mind still on the game, post-match, Bonucci expressed himself badly but realised this and apologised. These two things are distinct."
Captain Giorgio Chiellini led the player protests to referee Piero Giacomelli, who also spoke to both managers, about the racist abuse.
Cagliari skipper Luca Ceppitelli appealed directly to the home fans behind the goal for the offensive chants to stop.
Juve midfielder Blaise Matuidi appeared to gesture to Allegri that he should take his players off. There was a delay of around three minutes. An announcement had been made over the public address system to highlight the issue - which was greeted by more jeers from some home supporters.
Afterwards, Kean posted a message on Instagram with a photo of his celebration and a caption which read: "The best way to respond to racism #notoracism."
Raheem Sterling, who was racially abused during a Premier League game at Chelsea earlier this season, mocked Bonucci's comments in a post on Instagram.
"The blame is 50-50 @bonuccileo19," Sterling wrote alongside a number of laughing and applause emojis.
"All you can do now is laugh."
PA
