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.”
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.:
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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.
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 .
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.
Those Italians , up to no good as usual.
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?
@Decl@n Hanley: wasn’t that just free advertising for the co louth fyffes brand?
Series A fans….Permanently ban them if caught being racist. No room for it in the modern game.