I didn't use homophobic slur at a Journalist - Mancini

Roberto Mancini has defended himself against claims he
used a homophobic slur against an Italian journalist.

The Inter coach has been in the headlines this week after he
claimed Napoli counterpart Maurizio Sarri used homophobic
comments against him during their Coppa Italia tie.
Sarri was handed a two-game touchline ban for his actions
on Thursday.

However, Gazzetta dello Sport have accused Mancini of
using similar language towards journalist Alessio Da Ronch
in 2001, prompting the Italian to reply via his official website.

"What I said after the game in Naples is simply in line with
my history and my footballing culture," Mancini wrote.

"I don’t ask people to share my way of being in football, but I
demand respect. At the moment they’re creating a polemic
and creating factions which shift attention away from the
real problem!

"This story has been subject to a lot of manipulations, not
least that I used that same insult toward a journalist, which
is not true.

"I’ve never used that term because it’s not part of my
vocabulary.

"I reiterate my disappointment, but I’d like to get back to
concentrating on our sporting goals now, and the next game
[against Carpi] which is crucial for Inter’s season."