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CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Cagliari show ‘surprise and deep disappointment’ that their player was accused of racist abuse against Udinese’s Keinan Davis. ‘The alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.’
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The two clubs have been careful not to name names, but both Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane and especially Davis himself have mentioned Alberto Dossena as the player accused of racist abuse.
This incident happened in the final minutes of Udinese’s 2-0 victory at the Unipol Domus, just minutes after Davis had tried to alert the referee to racist insults from the stands.
Cagliari statement on Udinese accusation
“Cagliari Calcio has taken note, with surprise and deep disappointment, of the statement issued by Udinese Calcio following today’s match,” read the note.
“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.
“Any conduct that is contrary to respect for the individual and to the principles of sport must always be condemned in the clearest possible manner.
“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.”
If found guilty of racist abuse towards an opposition player, then Dossena would risk a 10-match Serie A ban.
However, it remains to be seen if there is any video evidence, or corroborating witnesses who could confirm the allegation.
Davis was very specific in his accusation, which tagged in Dossena on Instagram Stories.
“This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
It is not the first time that Cagliari have been involved in a row over racism, as their fans had aimed unacceptable abuse at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
