Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena has strongly denied allegations of racist abuse made against him by Udinese striker Keinan Davis , after a heated incident in the closing stages of Cagliari's clash with Udinese escalated into a major controversy that has embroiled both clubs.
According to Sky Sport , Davis signalled to the referee during the match that he had been racially abused by an opponent, with the situation briefly resulting in a yellow card for the Udinese forward before it was subsequently rescinded.
Udinese responded swiftly after the final whistle, releasing a statement condemning what they described as "disgraceful racist insults" and pledging to support Davis through all available legal and sporting channels.
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena replies to the accusation he racially abused Udinese striker Keinan Davis
Davis did not hold back on social media, posting an image of Dossena on his Instagram story. "This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game," he wrote. "I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see."
Dossena issued his own Instagram response shortly afterwards, firmly rejecting the allegation. "Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me," he said.
"It is a very serious accusation, it would never pass through my mind to call another person, a colleague, an insult of that kind. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation like this where I have to defend myself from a slanderous accusation. Behaviour like this is entirely outside of my culture and beliefs."
Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane also defended his player after the match. "I know his values, it does not even cross my mind that he could have said such things," Pisacane said. "I spoke with Alberto and I believe him, because I know him well."
The club itself followed up with a formal statement, expressing surprise at Udinese's communication and insisting the alleged incident had found no objective confirmation at the end of the match. The matter is now expected to be referred to the relevant sporting justice authorities.
