Italian moral leadership: Racist monkey chants, OK. But DO NOT slander God

October 30 – Two Italian Serie A players have been handed one-match bans – for blasphemy.

Parma’s Matteo Scozzarella and Sassuolo’s Francesco Magnanelli were picked up by TV cameras using blasphemous language during their respective weekend fixtures.

Blasphemy is considered a serious offence in Italy and the country’s FA have come down hard.

“The footballers were clearly framed by the television footage while uttering a blasphemous expression that could be identified beyond reasonable doubt,” said a statement.

The incidents happened in Parma’s 2-2 draw with Inter Milan and Sassuolo’s away victory at Verona.

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