Catania coach apologizes for kicking rival

Catania coach Silvio Baldini, right, is restrained by an assistant referee as he kicks Parma coach Domenico Di Carlo during an Italian first division soccer match at the Parma stadium in Italy on Sunday. PHOTO: AP

Catania coach Silvio Baldini has apologized for kicking Parma counterpart Domenico Di Carlo in the backside, although not to Di Carlo.

"I want to excuse myself with everyone -- Parma fans included -- but not to him. He provoked me," Baldini said on Monday.

In the 85th minute of Sunday's 2-2 draw, Baldini walked back over to Di Carlo following a verbal argument and landed his leg square in Di Carlo's backside after Di Carlo had turned away.

"It wasn't pretty," Baldini said. "I made a mistake."

The incident provoked outrage among other coaches and players and Baldini will likely receive a lengthy ban.

"There are no justifications. He has to say he's sorry, accept the sanctions and comport himself in a different manner in the future," Italian soccer federation president Giancarlo Abete said.

Baldini will almost certainly miss Catania's home opener against Genoa on the weekend.