It has been revealed that a number of individuals on Burnley’s bench repeatedly shouted ‘s*** Italian’ to Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, according to Daily Mail UK.
The incident sparked a touchline brawl that marred Monday night’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri was sent off by referee Kevin Friend and fourth official, Roger East, during the closing minutes of the match.
Eyewitnesses told the newspaper that Sarri lost his cool with members of Sean Dyche’s backroom team following the insults.
The Burnley manager himself was not responsible for the offensive remarks.
The referee will include details of the incident in his referee’s report and it could be enough for the Football Association to launch an investigation into a racially aggravated offence.
Burnley will wait to see what the report states, but there are no plans at present to hold their own investigation into what may or may not have been said.
The match was in its closing stages when the row erupted, with Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger, absent because of a knee injury but sitting on the Chelsea bench, held back by stewards as he argued with Burnley goalkeeper coach, Billy Mercer.
Chelsea’s keeping coach, Massimo Nenci and fitness coach, Paolo Bertelli also became involved as tempers flared, both seemingly infuriated by Mercer.
The row started on the touchline but continued after the final whistle as the two benches returned to their dressing rooms.
Moments before the final whistle, Sarri was sent away to the stands after striding out of his technical area and down the touchline to chip away at Friend.
Earlier in the game, Dyche’s assistant, Ian Woan pointed out that Sarri was encroaching on their technical area.
The Blues then took issue with what they perceived as persistent and cynical time-wasting from the Burnley players as early as the first half.
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