By IANS
London : Italian Serie A club Catania will fine coach Silvio Baldini for kicking his Parma counterpart Domenico di Carlo on the backside during Sunday’s 2-2 draw, Italian newspapers reported Tuesday.
Baldini, in his first game in charge of Catania, gave di Carlo the boot after a touchline row and was sent to the stands by the referee.
“A code of conduct exists at the club for everyone, including the coach. Because of this Baldini will be fined,” Catania general manager Pietro lo Monaco told a media conference Monday.
“I hope, however, this episode does not cause a problem. Catania and the people of Catania had nothing to do with what happened.”
The Sicilian team were banned from playing matches at home last season following the death of a policeman during riots at a game with rivals Palermo in February.
Baldini partially apologised at the news conference.
“I apologise to the president, the players and to the city especially after what happened Feb 2,” he said.
“I say sorry to the fans of Parma but I am not apologising to him because he deserved it. He provoked me.”
Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete later said the incident had put Italian soccer in a bad light again.
“The disciplinary body will now decide but to have this episode as the image of the first day of the championship does no good for football,” he said.