Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano has apologised for throwing his shirt at referee Nicola Pierpaoli during his side's 2-2 draw with Torino on Sunday.

The 25-year-old, who has been in good form this season while on loan from Real Madrid, was booked after celebrating his equalising goal against Torino in the 52nd minute.

He received a second yellow card after swearing at Pierpaoli three minutes from full-time and reacted by throwing his shirt in the referee's face.

"I apologise to everybody," said Cassano.

"My actions were bad and it compromised the good things I had done up to that point. I realised immediately that I had made a huge mistake."

Despite the apology, Cassano is almost certain to face disciplinary action by the Lega Calcio.

The Bari-born striker has a history of petulant behaviour but Samp executives hoped he would mature and get his career back on track at the Genoa club.

Cassano recently announced he would be willing to accept a pay cut to make his move to Samp permanent this summer.

"Evidently we could have done without this incident," said Samp general director Beppe Marotta.

"Cassano was recovering and doing well but he sometimes oversteps the mark and that is why he cannot be called a champion despite his extraordinary technical quality.

"Cassano must understand, even with our help, that his career is at risk by making these actions.

"He has made a mistake, just as in the past many football stars have made mistakes too."

Cassano is currently the club's second top scorer with seven goals from 15 league appearances.

Team Talk / Eurosport