Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu is facing a length ban for punching Bari’s Marco Rossi in the 3-0 win on Thursday.
Chivu lashed out in Inter’s easy win, which came thanks to goals from Houssine Kharja, Wesley Sneijder and the in-form Giampaolo Pazzini.
The 30-year-old Romanian defender was quick to apologise for the incident, which was not seen by referee Andrea Romeo but caught on video.
“It is difficult to explain,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am here because I want to apologise to Rossi, with all the dignity that I have left.”
“I apologise to everyone, above all my two children who one day will watch this clip.”
Replays showed when a free kick was cleared that Chivu lashed out, punching Rossi in the face.
Bari coach Giampiero Ventura forgave Romeo for missing Chivu’s punch.
“I went to speak to the referee after the final whistle and told him he had done well. He simply didn’t see this incident, as it was off the ball,” Ventura said.
“The situation was in the balance until the 90th minute,” he said of the defeat.
Inter scored with their first genuine shot on target and once again Bari played well but failed to finish.
“This is the biggest problem we have. We took the initiative and created some important scoring opportunities, but nothing seems to go our way and it was a repeat of what happened against Juventus and Cagliari.”
Bari are rooted to the foot of the table and now nine points adrift of the safety zone.
“Clearly the situation is difficult, but if we get two wins then we can close in on safety. I don’t believe in proclamations, but I must praise these lads for fighting so hard despite the difficulties,” Ventura said.
