Share

FIFA chief says racism 'not acceptable' in Italian football

Milan - FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Monday made a plea to "kick racism out" of Italian football, during the FIFA Best Football Awards ceremony in Milan.

"Tonight is a night to celebrate, but we should reflect a little bit," the Swiss-Italian football chief told a star-studded gathering at Milan's iconic La Scala Opera House.

"I would like to say that here in Italy in my country, yesterday (Sunday) we witnessed again in the Italian championship an episode of racism.

"This is not acceptable any more, we have to say no to racism in society. We have to kick racism out of football and society once and for all."

Sunday's Italian league match between Atalanta and Fiorentina was halted for several minutes after racist abuse was aimed at the Tuscan side's Brazilian player Dalbert in a game played in Parma.

The problem is a recurring one throughout the peninsula.

This season Inter Milan's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku and AC Milan's Ivorian player Franck Kessie have both been targeted by monkey calls without any sanction being taken.

Blaise Matuidi, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mose Kean were also victims last season.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
66% - 656 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
34% - 343 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE