Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has avoided a suspension after reaching a plea deal with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over the use of offensive language during a match against Juventus.
The 27-year-old Argentina striker has agreed to pay a fine of €5,000 (£4,200) after being accused of using blasphemous language during Inter’s 1-0 loss in Turin in February. Under FIGC rules, taking the Lord’s name in vain is prohibited.
Martinez had initially denied the allegations, saying the week after—following a match-winning goal against Genoa—“I have never done it, ever”.
“I try to teach respect to my children, these accusations have caused me great irritation,” he added.
Lautaro Martinez is not the first to fall foul of the FIGC’s strict blasphemy rules. Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon received a one-match ban in March 2021 for foul language directed at teammate Manolo Portanova.
More recently, Monza goalkeeper Stefano Turati was handed the same punishment in August 2023 for blasphemous swearing while playing for Frosinone in a loss to Napoli.
