Juventus on Tuesday appealed a one-match ban imposed for the racist abuse of Inter player Mario Balotelli in Saturday's 1-1 draw in Turin.
In the appeal, Juve argued that it could have done nothing about the racist booing directed by some sections of the crowd against the Palermo-born black striker.
It also pointed out the the club had strongly condemned the incident.
Italian Soccer Federation chief Giancarlo Abete said he ''respected'' Juve's right to appeal against being forced to play its next home match, against Lecce, behind closed doors.
Inter Chairman Massimo Moratti said he ''wasn't angry'' with Juve.
FIGC No.2 Demetrio Albertini said a new rule allowing referees to halt matches in such cases, introduced because of the incident, should ''spur'' thinking on the part of crowds ''and players too, to do more to fight racism''.
Before the Balotelli case officials were only empowered to suspend games if they saw racist banners displayed.
European soccer's ruling body UEFA, in the wake of a string of incidents, has been pushing for stiffer penalties for racist heckling, as well as the possibility of the ref calling the match off.
