FIFA president Gianni Infantino referred to as on followers to “shut up all racists” after Lecce defender Samuel Umtiti and teammate Lamec Banda had been subjected to racial abuse throughout their residence recreation in opposition to Lazio on Wednesday.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the match was halted for a number of minutes whereas an announcement was made within the stadium to cease the chanting.
The residence followers chanted Umtiti’s title to beat back the abuse and Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damani stated the French World Cup winner, who’s on mortgage from Barcelona, ​​had requested for the sport to be replayed.
Lecce got here from behind to win the Serie A recreation 2-1, with Frenchman Umtiti leaving the pitch in tears.
“The racist slurs were drowned out by a chorus of encouragement for our champion,” Lecce stated in a press release.
Umtiti posted a message on Instagram saying, “Only soccer, enjoyable, pleasure. The relaxation would not rely.
Infantino confirmed his help for Umtiti and Zambian Banda in a social media submit.
In the caption of the pictures of Umtiti and Banda, he wrote, “Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lemek Banda – let’s shout it loud and clear: No to racism.”
“The vast majority of fans, who are good people, stand up to shut down all racists once and for all.”
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
