Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez Penalised by Italian Football Federation for Inappropriate Language

Lautaro Martinez has managed to evade a suspension for blasphemy after the Inter Milan captain accepted a fine from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for using offensive language during a loss to their bitter rivals Juventus.

The Argentine forward has consented to pay €5,000 (£4,200) as part of a plea deal with the FIGC, which prohibits the misuse of the Lord’s name.

The 27-year-old had earlier refuted allegations that he used blasphemous language during the 1-0 defeat in Turin, insisting a week later, after netting the decisive goal for Inter against Genoa, that “I have never done it, ever.”

“I strive to instil respect in my children, so these accusations have deeply unsettled me,” he expressed.

Martinez is not the only player to have faced consequences under the FIGC’s anti-blasphemy legislation; goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon received a one-match ban in March 2021 for inappropriate language directed at his Juventus teammate Manolo Portanova.

Similarly, Monza goalkeeper Stefano Turati faced the same penalty in August 2023 for using blasphemous language during a loss to Napoli while playing for his former club Frosinone.