Cagliari president suspends himself

CAGLIARI SARDINIA — Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has suspended himself from his role in charge of the Sardinian club after his actions caused a home Serie A match against Roma to be called off.

Roma was awarded a 3-0 victory on Monday after Sunday's game was postponed for safety reasons because the Sardinian club defied orders to play it in an empty stadium.

Cagliari said Tuesday that Cellino has stood down in order "to defend himself freely in any appropriate place." The club adds he will immediately return from the United States.

Cagliari and Cellino could face further sanctions as the case has been referred to the Italian Football Federation.

Cellino had urged fans to ignore the authorities, using the club website to call on fans to attend peacefully, regardless of the ruling.

View the original article here