Ciccolini censured for racist comment
Friday, March 4, 2005
Article summary
SC Bastia coach François Ciccolini has been banned for two matches for making a racist remark to Lorik Cana.
Article body
'Regret'
The French Professional League's disciplinary committee made the decision last night, taking into account that Ciccolini "recognised his mistake and expressed his regret and apologies". The incident occurred during Bastia's 1-0 defeat in Paris on 26 February, with the coach swearing at Cana and making a reference to his Albanian nationality.
Referee's report
Although Cana defended Ciccolini by saying "he's not a racist", the authorities acted after receiving the referee's report. The coach therefore misses the trip to FC Sochaux-Montbéliard on 12 March and the visit of FC Metz the following week.
Crucial game
Bastia president Louis Multari backed Ciccolini in this case but said the club's board "would be forced to make a decision on our coach" should the side lose at home to LOSC Lille Métropole on Saturday. Having failed to win any of their last five matches, Bastia sit just one point above Ligue 1's bottom club FC Istres.
