Antonio Cassano Italy striker Antonio Cassano has been fined 15,000 euros (NZ$22,800) by football’s governing body UEFA for saying during Euro 2012 that he hoped there were no gay players in his national side. Asked at a news conference during last month's tournament to comment on reports that there were two "secret" gays in the Italy squad, he said: "That's their problem. I hope there isn't one in the national team." UEFA says he has been penalised for a "discriminatory press statement" and has three days to appeal. Cassano has already apologised for his comments. "I am sincerely sorry that my comments have caused controversy and protests among gay groups. Homophobia is not a point of view that I share,” he said. "I didn't want to offend anyone and I absolutely don't want to put a person's sexual freedom under discussion." Italy made the final of Euro 2012, but went down to Spain 4-0.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 21st July 2012 - 10:44am