Sunday 16 October 2016 16:57, UK
Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi could be stripped of the captaincy after incensing their fan base with comments in a recently published autobiography.
"We will take measures," Inter's vice-president and legendary former captain Javier Zanetti said, amid a growing row surrounding the Argentina international on Sunday.
"The fans are crucial for us and everyone should respect them."
Icardi is Inter's main source of goals this season, but comments in his biography 'Sempre Avanti, la mia storia segreta' (Forever onwards, my secret story) prompted the 'ultra' fans to demand he be stripped of the captaincy.
It followed Icardi's description of a post-match altercation with supporters following a 3-1 defeat at Sassuolo in February 2015.
Icardi claims in the account he openly challenged the 'ultras' after they snatched the shirt and shorts he had offered to a young Inter supporter and threw them back in his face.
Icardi said he was "hailed a hero" in the dressing room after the incident, claiming he had reminded the irate fans that he had "grown up in one of the areas of South America with the biggest crime rates".
"How many are there [fans]? 50? 100? 200?" Icardi added. "Okay, I will bring over 100 criminals from Argentina and they will kill them on the spot. Then we'll see."
Icardi's account of the events were dismissed by some fans, who were so incensed that they issued a statement to the Italian media on Sunday morning.
"Why such wretched fiction? We are shocked, this book is ridiculous and with regard to that incident it's all lies," it read.
"No more excuses. We considered him young, a bit daft [like many players], but deep down a decent lad. Instead, we have someone who should not be allowed to wear the Inter armband.
"Inter simply don't deserve this. For us, you are finished. TAKE THE ARMBAND OFF, YOU CLOWN."
Despite being Inter's star man, the Serie A giants could give in to fans' demands.
Inter coach Frank de Boer recently reacted to Marcelo Brozovic's social media gaffe by sidelining the Croatia midfielder for several games.
And Icardi could soon follow suit, according to Zanetti, a former Argentina international who played over 600 games for Inter.
Zanetti added: "We cannot accept this kind of behaviour from an employee of our club. After this match we will talk things over and see what happens."
