Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi admits he was "careless" with remarks this week regarding youth football.
Sacchi believes there's "too many black players" in Italy's youth teams.
"I am amazed, but not as much as you may think," he said of the reaction.
"I know only too well that in this environment populism is par for the course, and that there is no memory of history.
"I've been in football for 42 years, and over these 42 years no-one ever accused me of being racist.
"I don't think I became one at the age of 68.
"I coached and am friends with many black players. I'm not so stupid or obtuse.
"I was perhaps careless, among other things because I thought nobody could ever call me a racist."
