Fiorentina are “awaiting the results of the investigation” into a brawl between Felipe Melo and Cagliari’s Diego Lopez.
The altercation occurred in the players’ tunnel after the 2-1 victory at the Stadio Franchi on Saturday afternoon and Cagliari accused Melo of punching Lopez, causing visible cuts and bruises to his face.
“You all know the basic principles of the Viola approach to sportsmanship,” said general manager Sandro Mencucci.
“Any form of violence must be condemned. We know there was a dispute between two players in the tunnel and now the investigation will give its verdict, because nobody really knows what happened.
“Other players intervened to split them up. I have not spoken to Melo yet, but we need to hear from everyone and evaluate the situation. We have taken action against our players for far less.”
Lopez is said to have been left bloodied and bruised by the argument, while Andrea Cossu of Cagliari and Fiorentina’s Sergio Almiron also suffered minor injuries in the dust-up.
“We too want to know what happened and are waiting for some clarity before commenting,” continued Mencucci.
“I don’t know if it was a normal discussion or something more. I think Almiron was struck while trying to divide these two players, he got a cut to the lip.”
The Fiorentina general manager hinted that there was “some damage” in the Cagliari locker room afterwards.
The club became famous for its sense of fair play and introduction of the ‘terzo tempo’ – waiting after the final whistle to shake hands with their opponents.
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