Romanian priest reported for racist comment on Facebook

(ANSA) - Tirrenia, February 20 - A Romanian priest near Pisa, Father Marcello, caused a storm of controversy after he allegedly made a derogatory comment on Facebook referring to Romani people that was reported to local authorities as racist, Italian newspaper La Nazione said on Friday.
    Under a Facebook post written by someone who expressed concern over the presence of Romani families illegally living in a local cycling park, Father Marcello allegedly wrote, "Does anyone have a match?" to which another Facebook user responded, "Father Marcello, I'll donate the fuel".
    The post and comments were deleted, and Father Marcello maintains he was misunderstood.
    "I wrote that post because in our church we don't have matches for the candlesticks and also to invite my parishioners to be careful not to add fuel to the fire," Father Marcello said.
    "I didn't write anything wrong or racist. Everyone understands what he wants and can misunderstand," he said.