Davis (wearing number nine) was visibly enraged after the full-time whistle.
Enrico Locci via Getty Images
Udinese striker Keinan Davis has accused Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of racially abusing him during their Serie A match, an allegation Dossena has firmly denied.
The incident allegedly occurred in the closing stages of Saturday’s fixture at the Unipol Domus. Davis took to Instagram to share a statement: “This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will take action, but we’ll see.”
The 27-year-old Dossena responded with his own statement: “Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me. It’s a very serious charge. It would never cross my mind to insult anyone like that. This is the first time I have to defend myself against a slanderous accusation. Such behavior is far from my culture and upbringing as a person.”
Udinese released a statement expressing “utmost solidarity and full support for Keinan Davis, who was subjected to shameful racist abuse. The club reiterates its firm condemnation of such deplorable acts. Udinese Calcio will defend Keinan in all forums and hopes for a swift resolution by the sporting authorities, in whom it has full confidence.”
Cagliari responded: “Calcio has taken note, with surprise and deep disappointment, of the statement issued by Udinese Calcio following today’s match. The club reiterates in the strongest possible terms that its values, history and sporting culture leave no room for any form of discrimination, racism or violence, whether verbal or physical. The matter concerning the events on the pitch was addressed and clarified after the match, with full regard for the facts, as the alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.”
Dossena denied Davis’ accusation (Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Cagliari lost the game 2-0, with Davis, a 28-year-old English striker, assisting his side’s second goal. Davis progressed through English lower leagues before representing Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Watford. He joined Udinese in the summer of 2023 and has scored 10 goals in 28 Serie A appearances this season.
