Italian striker Cassano fined for homophobic remark during Euros

London, July 21 (ANI): Italy striker Antonio Cassano has been fined by Uefa after he made comments hoping there were no homosexuals in the squad for the Euro2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

He later apologised for the comments, but has still been fined £11,679 (15,000 euros).

The 29-year-old AC Milan forward said: "I did not want to offend anyone and I can not question the sexual freedom of other people"

"Cassano has been fined for a discriminatory press. An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the full written decision." Uefa confirmed on its website.

Cassano had been asked during a news conference whether he thought there were any homosexuals in the Italian squad, the BBC reports.

"The coach warned me that you would ask me this question. If I say what I think... I hope there are none." he had responded.

But he subsequently released a statement insisting he had been misinterpreted.

The 30-year-old scored one goal in six games during Euro 2012, helping Italy to the final, where they lost to Spain. (ANI)

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