Claudio Ranieri has stated that he wasn’t being racist with the comments made after Juventus’ Coppa Italia loss to Lazio.

Ranieri's quote did not go down well in China.

"I did not like the entire direction of the match. I found the official was tough with us, on the field it seemed as if he was Chinese, as it was always yellow cards with us," the Juventus coach said after the match.

Titan, one of China's largest newspapers, has demanded a public apology from Ranieri.

The Bianconeri trainer has tried to placate the press by explaining his comments.

"Juventus played in China in the past, and I know the performance of Chinese referees," said Ranieri. "They are strict and respect the rules of FIFA. They blow their whistles for all fouls.

"Recently, the referees in Serie A have tended to follow the example set by the English Premier League and blow for fouls less and less."

Ranieri even went on to praise the Chinese style of refereeing later in the interview.

"I don't like it [the English style]. Juventus have many games at the moment and we need more protection," said the Juve coach. "But against Lazio, the referee changed and blew his whistle for all fouls and gave yellow cards. So I said he was like a Chinese referee. I didn't complain about him."

"I will repeat my opinion - I don't like the English Premier League style. I hope that referees will be stricter and give my players more protection."

"I didn't intend to offend any Chinese people. I like China very much and the people very much. China is a great country."