KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Andrea Agnelli cannot expect to be in the good books of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin after Italian champions Juventus, of which he is president, were painfully caught out by the latest racist abuse incident in Italian football.

Agnelli is not only president of Juventus but head of the European Club Association and, as such, a member of the executive committee of the European federation.

Yet, within hours of Ceferin delivering a withering attack on racist attitudes, Juventus were found badly wanting on the issue after their 2-0 win away to Cagliari in Sardinia in Serie A.

Juventus’ 19-year-old starlet Moise Kean spread his arms wide in a gesture of indignation while facing the crowd after scoring his club’s second goal. He had been taunted throughout the game.

Afterwards veteran team-mate Leonardo Bonucci said, in a television interview, that Kean “could have done it [celebrated] differently” so “the blame is 50-50”.

Bonucci said: “Kean knows that when he scores a goal, he has to focus on celebrating with his team-mates. He knows he could’ve done something differently too.

“There were racist jeers after the goal. Blaise (Matuidi) heard it and was angered. I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn’t have done that and the Curva (fans) should not have reacted that way.

“We are professionals. We have to set the example and not provoke anyone.”

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri said also Kean “shouldn’t have celebrated in that manner” but called on the authorities to act.

Their words prompted a stormy response.

Juventus midfielder Matuidi tweeted a photo of the celebration in support of Kean, while Manchester United and former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba said: “I support every fight against racism, we’re all equal.” He added in Italian: “Good Italians wake up, you can’t let a small racist group speak for you.”

Another ex-Juventus player, Patrice Evra, said the abuse was “not acceptable in football or anywhere in the world”.

“Well done to Moise Kean for standing up to them and showing them who is boss. The world would be a better place if we all shared more love no matter what.”

Italy striker Mario Balotelli shared a picture of Kean with Matuidi, saying:  “Although we are divided and different in our destiny, nothing else has to divide us. I condemn racism in any form and place for EVER.”

England forward Raheem Sterling – the target for racist abuse last week in Montenegro – described Bonucci’s response as “laughable” while Crystal Palace and Belgium striker Christian Benteke said: “What happened to Moise Kean last night is inexcusable.

“Two incidents recently have highlighted even more that there is still a shocking issue within our beautiful game.

“I have nothing but respect for what Moise and Raheem did and how they handled the matter.”

“Nobody should justify racism in any way or form. Racism is equal as ignorance. There is no excuse for it. Federation, clubs and players should draw one line.

“A country like Italy should be leading on this given how many millions of Italians live abroad. You cannot be racist and Italian. You cannot be human and racist.”

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure said Bonucci should apologise.

Toure added: “Having your team-mate attacking and saying things like that is unbelievable. It was totally disrespectful.”

Cristina Blasetti from the Italian Football Federation, also speaking at the Equal Game conference at Wembley, said: “We are very sorry for what happened last night. We are doing our best to tackle this issue.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Ceferin told a conference on the issue in London that referees needede to be “brave” and halt matches in response to abuse from “loud, aggressive and primitive” people.

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