LONDON -- Yaya Toure has said Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci and manager Massimiliano Allegri are "a disgrace" for their criticism of forward Moise Kean's celebration in the face of racist abuse from Cagliari fans.
Kean celebrated his 85th-minute goal in Tuesday's Serie A match at Sardegna Arena by standing in front of Cagliari supporters with his arms outstretched, having earlier endured monkey chants from the stands.
He was criticised by teammate Bonucci and manager Allegri after the game and Toure, speaking during a panel discussion at UEFA's Equal Game conference on Wednesday, said: "For me it's a disgrace. You can't do that.
"It was unbelievable. A teammate, a manager saying: 'You shouldn't have done that' to one of your own players.
"I think it's the worst scenario you can have in football. Your teammate attacking you, saying things like that, is just unbelievable. I can't imagine how hurt he was when he saw that."
Bonucci appeared to shove Kean back towards the centre circle after the goal and following the 2-0 win, was critical of the fans' chanting and Kean's reaction to it. Allegri, after condemning "one or two idiots" in the Cagliari crowd, added that Kean should "avoid certain gestures."
Toure, who has suffered racist abuse at various points during his career, began his address on Wednesday by asking: "I want to know if the Italian FA is here today?"
When it was confirmed that Italian FA representatives were present, he added: "I want to see what the Italian FA is going to do about that. It's really important because this is what we're fighting for. I want to see what the response is."
Asked whether players should walk off the pitch following racist abuse, Toure added: "Yes definitely. When this kind of thing happens we need to send a message, not only to the fans but the people at the top as well.
"Something has to be done, because we're tired of always coming back to this same problem. As long as those people in the stands, the people in government and at the top don't decide anything, it's still going to happen. What are we going to do? Continue to come here and talk, and talk, with nothing being done?
"I hope something's going to be done properly as soon as possible."
Bonucci's comments were roundly condemned on social media and throughout the football world, with England international Raheem Sterling posting on Instagram: "All you can do now is laugh."
Sterling was the subject of racist abuse from Montenegro fans during England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Podgorica, which has led to a charge by UEFA.
Later on Wednesday, Bonucci posted an Instagram story which included a picture of himself and Kean with the comment: "Regardless of everything, in any case ... No to racism."
He then later sought to further clarify his stance, again on Instagram, saying: "After 24 hours I want to clarify my feelings. Yesterday I was interviewed right at the end of the game, and my words have been clearly misunderstood, probably because I was too hasty in the way I expressed my thoughts.
"Hours and years wouldn't be enough to talk about this topic. I firmly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. The abuses are not acceptable at all and this must not be misunderstood."
Immediately after the match, Kean posted a picture of his celebration on Instagram, with the caption: "The best way to respond to racism."
And Marseille striker Mario Balotelli, a teammate of Bonucci's with Italy, replied to the picture and said: "And tell Bonucci he's lucky I wasn't there. Instead of defending you he does this? I'm in shock, I swear. I love you bro."
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who played for Juventus from 2012 to 2016, also posted his support to Kean, saying: "I support every fight against racism, we're all equal. Good Italians wake up, you can't let a small racist group speak for you."
A representative of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) stood up to address the panel at Wembley after feeling compelled to respond to the Kean incident.
Clarifying that FIGC president Michele Uva could not make it to the conference due to a federal board meeting in Rome, the spokeswoman said: "Of course we are very sorry for what happened last night. Unfortunately our CEO is not here but we are doing the best to tackle this issue."
ESPN FC has contacted Juventus, Kean and Bonucci for comment.