Advertisement
Lazio fans in Milan last night.

AC Milan condemn racist chants aimed at Kessie and Bakayoko

The Rossoneri are taking matters to Italian sport’s governing bodies after the incidents in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia game with Lazio

AC MILAN HAVE condemned alleged racist taunts aimed at Franck Kessie and Tiemoue Bakayoko by Lazio fans in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia match.

It is claimed the two Milan midfielders were subjected to monkey chants during the game at San Siro, which the visitors won 1-0.

There were also reports of inflatable bananas being held up in the away section, while a group of ultras are said to have erected a banner in the streets in the hours before the match praising former facist dictator Benito Mussolini.

In a statement released on Thursday, the club said: “AC Milan wants to reiterate its condemnation of all forms of racism and discrimination following the incidents of last night’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg game between AC Milan and SS Lazio.

“Recurring chants and monkey noises directed to players Franck Kessie and Tiemoue Bakayoko could be heard coming from the away stand before, during and after the match.

“Throughout their 120 years of history, the Rossoneri have always honoured the values of sport, respect and inclusion, which underpin everything we do.

“The club wants to thank all players from both teams for their professionalism and their fairness, as well as its fans for their passionate support and their responsible behaviour despite a climate exacerbated by unacceptable episodes.

“AC Milan has felt an obligation to report yesterday’s serious incidents to the highest sports governing bodies, with the hope that, with everyone’s commitment, measures are implemented to eliminate racism from all stadia.”

tiemoue-bakayoko-cropped_1sehb3cs931is1hps50r3y6nve Tiémoué Bakayoko of Milan.

AC Milan executive chairman Paolo Scaroni added: “It was disheartening to watch such an important sporting event in our stadium, whilst monkey noises and racist insults were coming from the stands. We must be extremely vigilant.

“Football is respect. Football should not divide but unite people.”

Lazio moved to distance themselves from any such incidents but also criticised sections of the media for “simplistic” reporting in which they “consider the entire Lazio supporter base jointly responsible for acts carried out by a few”.

In the 15 May final, Lazio will face Atalanta after Josip Ilicic and Alejandro Gomez scored in a 2-1 win over Fiorentina tonight as the Bergamo club secured their first final appearance since 1996.

Gavan Casey and Murray Kinsella are joined by Andy Dunne to get stuck into last weekend’s Champions Cup semi-finals.:


The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Author
View 7 comments
Close
7 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Mads
    Favourite Johnny Mads
    Report
    Apr 25th 2019, 10:08 PM

    Permanent bans for supporters followed by closed door matches for the club. Harsh on the club, but it’s the only way that it puts onus on the club and their fans to sort it out. Not an easy situation but enough is enough.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute conex
    Favourite conex
    Report
    Apr 25th 2019, 10:49 PM

    Monkey chants at Italian football match ? Ah stop are you serious ?….

    Authority’s know what needs to be done , but media / tv/ advertising / and stadium revenue is more important .

    Money makes the world go round .
    It’s a sad world we live in .

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Dwyer
    Favourite Simon Dwyer
    Report
    Apr 26th 2019, 6:44 AM

    Some Lazio fan’s has a bad history of trouble. I think the club has to work harder to sort out the hooligans that has crippling the club for year’s. But again i say it’s some fan’s at the club.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Willy Motley
    Favourite Willy Motley
    Report
    Apr 25th 2019, 11:43 PM

    Those Italians , up to no good as usual.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Decl@n Hanley
    Favourite Decl@n Hanley
    Report
    Apr 26th 2019, 7:49 AM

    On another note, anyone remember when Ireland fans used to regularly bring inflatable big bananas to matches circa world cup 90. Looking back on it, what were we thinking?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micheál Seamus Xavie
    Favourite Micheál Seamus Xavie
    Report
    Apr 26th 2019, 8:44 AM

    @Decl@n Hanley: wasn’t that just free advertising for the co louth fyffes brand?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Claire Con
    Favourite Claire Con
    Report
    Apr 26th 2019, 10:10 AM

    Series A fans….Permanently ban them if caught being racist. No room for it in the modern game.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel