Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi says he was racially abused at Cagliari

The Frenchman was subject to similar abuse by Verona fans earlier this week

Matuidi, who has 62 caps for France, joined Juventus before the start of the current season (Getty)

Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi says he was the subject of racial abuse during their 1-0 win at Cagliari on Saturday, days after fellow Serie A side Verona were reprimanded after their supporters directed similar abuse towards the Frenchman.

Verona were handed a fine and a suspended partial stadium ban after supporters racially abused the 30-year-old following his opening goal during Juventus’s 3-1 away win on 30 December

“Today I experienced racism during the match. Weak people try to intimidate with hate. I am not a hater and can only be sorry for those who set bad examples,” Matuidi wrote on his official Facebook account after Saturday’s game.

“Football is a way to spread equality, passion and inspiration and this is what I am here for. Peace.”

Matuidi, who has 62 caps for France, joined Juventus before the start of the current season and has scored twice for the Italian champions.

Serie A has struggled to stamp out racism in recent years.

Last year Pescara midfielder Sulley Muntari walked off the pitch at Cagliari following racist abuse from the home crowd.

The player was booked for complaining to the referee about the abuse, before walking off the pitch and earning a second yellow card.

Muntari later won his fight with Italian football authorities to overturn the one-match he received.

Reuters