Matuidi claims racist abuse in Juventus win over Cagliari

Matuidi claims racist abuse in Juventus win over Cagliari image

Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi says he was the victim of racist abuse during his side's 1-0 victory over Cagliari on Saturday.

The France international revealed in a post on his official Facebook page that he was the subject of racist taunts by unspecified individuals.

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"Today I experienced racism during the match," he wrote. "Weak people try to intimidate with hate. 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."

Merci pour tous vos messages, grazie per i vostri messaggi, thanks all for your messages Aujourd’hui j’ai été victime...

Posted by Blaise Matuidi -Page Officielle- on Saturday, 6 January 2018

It is reported that the specific incident occurred shortly before half-time, when a furious Matuidi was seen looking towards the stands at the Sardegna Arena.

It is the second time Matuidi has endured such abuse in the last 10 days.

Verona were hit with a €20,000 fine and a partial stadium ban, suspended for a year, for racist chants by their fans towards Matuidi in Juve's 3-1 win on December 30.

The champions, whose 1-0 win on Saturday came courtesy of Federico Bernardeschi's second-half goal, are a point behind leaders Napoli in the Serie A standings.

The accusations have been levelled days after the English FA opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse of Everton defender Mason Holgate by Liverpool's Roberto Firmino.