Di Francesco denies Costa racist slur

(ANSA) - Bologna, September 18 - Sassuolo winger Federico Di Francesco on Tuesday denied directing a racial slur at Juventus winger Douglas Costa in Sunday's 2-1 Juve win, causing the Brazilian forward to spit at him. "I won't allow racist behaviour and/or phrases to be attributed to me, which do not belong to my ethical values and are the fruit of other people's imagination," said Di Francesco.
    "I am deeply disturbed by the innuendo and inventions that have appeared in some national media.
    "All this is offensive and derogatory," said the Emilian club's player.