"I exaggerated the fall once I felt contact with Kalulu to try and win a foul, but I have to apologise for my reaction afterwards as it wasn't nice to see, even if it was very human. I was caught up in the heat and intensity of such an important match. I'm sorry it went that way. I think it's right to take responsibility, but my character and my career shouldn't be questioned."
"I've played more than 300 professional matches. I didn't expect so much noise around it -- I've seen a lot of hypocrisy and heard people say things that just don't make sense. I thank those who commented fairly, saying I made a mistake without condemning my character."
Alessandro Bastoni apologised for celebrating after Pierre Kalulu received a second yellow and was sent off late in the first half of the Derby d'Italia. Referee Federico La Penna adjudged Kalulu had pulled back Bastoni. Bastoni admitted he exaggerated the fall to try to win a foul and apologised for his celebratory reaction, saying he was caught up in the heat of the match and would take responsibility. Bastoni defended his character and career, referenced over 300 professional appearances, criticised what he described as hypocrisy in responses, and revealed he had received death threats. Inter won 3-2 with a stoppage-time goal.
Read at ESPN.com
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