A report has claimed that someone on the Burnley bench called Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri a 's*** Italian' to incite a touchline scuffle during Monday's 2-2 draw between the two clubs.
Sarri was sent down the tunnel during the closing exchanges of the clash by referee Kevin Friend and fourth official Roger East after a heated argument with various members of Sean Dyche's coaching staff. Sarri then refused to provide any post-match comments, leaving assistant coach Gianfranco Zola to face the media.
Assistant coach Gianfranco Zola explains that Maurizio Sarri is frustrated about the game and being sent-off. He adds that Chelsea tried everything to win but there was too much wasting of time. #CHEBUR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 22, 2019
According to ESPN sources, Sarri lost his cool after various unidentified members of the Burnley bench insulted him by called him a 's*** Italian'.
As East was in a position to hear the exchange on the touchline, the details of what was said between the two benches is set to be included in the referee's report which will be submitted to the Football Association.
Speaking after the game, Zola discussed the incident and suggested that Chelsea would look to take action over what was allegedly said.
"He's very frustrated, so he'd prefer not to come over here," Zola said of Sarri. "He's been sent off. I think he's been offended as well, so he didn't feel it was the right thing to do, to speak to you.
"I think he's been told something from their bench, but don't ask me exactly what. I don't want to go down that line, but we'll see what we can do about that.
"I think there will be a follow [up] on that. Maurizio felt very unhappy. We understand it's a football game. You say words because of the adrenaline, but he wasn't particularly happy."
Following the draw, Sarri's Chelsea sit in fourth in the Premier League, one point ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand
Source : 90min