EXCLUSIVE Russo: Mancini, Sarri and the damned word
Thinking about what happened yesterday between Maurizio Sarri and Roberto Mancini makes me say that this time the damned word –in this case fagg**t- really remained in the mouth of the offender, but also who has been insulted should be ashamed.
Both attitudes showed an homophobic instinct: in the Italian football, everything can be forgiven, except for homosexuality. When the “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule is broken, the reaction is hysterical.
We can see the episode in many ways, but Sarri’s language is squalid. You can say that it’s something that often happens on the pitch, but it’s just an excuse, and an excuse that doesn’t work. The last time I heard the term “finocchio” was a long time ago in a Bar, by an aged woman, who was talking about George Clooney and Elisabetta Canalis. Moreover, using the sexual orientation as an offence always causes a discrimination.
On the other hand, Mancini is not only a victim. By reporting his colleague’s language, he did try to damage him. And why did he break the rule that states that what happens in the pitch must remain on the pitch? Because everything can be accepted, but not being accused of being gay. Isn’t this homophobia too?
Pippo Russo translated by M.G.
