CNN
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his help for 2 Lecce gamers who have been racially abused in an Italian Serie A match on Wednesday, calling upon followers to “shut up all of the racists.”
In the course of the match between Lecce and Lazio in Italy’s high division, French defender Samuel Umtiti and Zambian ahead Lameck Banda have been subjected to racist abuse.
Underneath an Instagram publish with footage of two gamers, Infantino wrote: “Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda – let’s shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM!
“Could the large majority of followers, who’re good folks, stand as much as shut up all of the racists as soon as and for all!”
A tweet posted by Lecce’s official account after the sport learn: “The racist chants have been drowned out by these of encouragement. All of the Lecce followers began to shout one identify – Samuel Umtiti.”
Umtiti himself responded to Infantino’s publish on-line, writing: “Solely soccer, pleasure and pleasure. The remainder doesn’t matter.”
In response to CNN, Serie A mentioned: “The league at all times condemns all types of discrimination in soccer, the identical will do for yesterday’s episode.”
Serie A additionally mentioned sanctions for the abuse could be handed down by the Giudice Sportivo, which is a part of the Italian Soccer Federation versus the league itself.
In an announcement launched Thursday, Lazio mentioned it “has at all times opposed all types of racism and discrimination with all out there means.”
“As we speak, Lazio once more condemns those that have been main these despicable, shameful and outdated acts, and as at all times will cooperate absolutely with the authorities to establish the people accountable,” the membership mentioned.
“Lazio followers are usually not racist and can’t be related to just a few people who significantly harm the membership’s popularity.”
In keeping with Italian media experiences, Umtiti was in tears on the finish of the match after his staff got here from behind to win 2-1. On the published and in social media footage, Lecce supporters could be heard chanting his identify after the ultimate whistle was blown.
