Juventus issued a statement demanding an explanation from broadcaster RAI after a televised interview with Medhi Benatia ended prematurely due to the defender hearing a racist remark in his earpiece.
Benatia heard an insult regarding his Moroccan descent during the interview, exclaiming: "Which stupid person is speaking? They called me a sh---y little Moroccan," as quoted by ESPN FC.
While RAI offered that the comments were "unacceptable," the broadcaster added that the comment was not uttered by one of its employees, a claim Juventus isn't quite buying.
"Following the regrettable insult Medhi Benatia heard through his earpiece during Calcio Champagne, Juventus Football Club wishes to express its concern over the incident," the club wrote.
"While acknowledging the RAI statement expressing solidarity, everyone - and the player first and foremost - deserves an explanation about what occurred."
The club also quashed the notion that the line could have picked up audio "interference" from another source around Juventus Stadium, explaining that it is "technically implausible, given the audio line (n-1) runs directly from RAI headquarters in Milan into the earpieces," and that on-site producers do not have direct contact with the guest.
"Juventus hopes that Rai Sport's internal investigation continues without them resorting to excuses which tend to play down what happened and distort the facts."