By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 4 – AC Milan’s collective stance against racism, when the whole team walked off the pitch in protest, has produced widespread support from across the game.
The defiant and potentially watershed move by one the most famous clubs in the world – following on from a year in which racism raised its ugly head several times – took place in the 26th minute of Milan’s winter break friendly against fourth-tier Pro Patria which was subsequently abandoned.
Ghana’s Kevin-Prince Boateng (pictured), the main target of abuse, led the protest when he picked up the ball, kicked it into the crowd, removed his shirt and walked off. A player from Pro Patria attempted to talk him round but Boateng was quickly
followed by teammates and officials.
AC Milan’s official website was running a text commentary of the game and posted the following message at the precise time of the walkoff:
“AC Milan leaves the pitch after racist abuse by a minority of Pro Patria fans at Boateng, (Mbaye) Niang, (Urby) Emanuelson and (Sulley) Muntari. The rest of the fans in the stands disassociated themselves from such racist events.”
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said he was “disappointed and saddened” by the turn of events and that there was a need to “stop these uncivilised gestures.”
“We promise to return, and we are sorry for the club and players of Pro Patria but we could not make any other decision. I hope it can be an important signal,” he said.
Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete branded the incident “unspeakable and intolerable” while a number of
past and present black players lent their support to Boateng.
“It was brave of Kevin-Prince Boateng to do what he did today, and it was the right thing. We need to stand up and stand together,” said iconic former French international Patrick Vieira who played for several years in Italy as well as England.
Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE), called for the Italians to take strong action.
“We salute Kevin-Prince Boateng for his actions and his team-mates for their support,” said Powar. “This is the not the first time a player has walked off in Italy – if the situation continues it may not be the last.
“Italy, as much as any country in Europe, has a serious problem of racism to deal with. Football infrastructure is in need of renewal and at serious odds with the changing nature of Italian society. We look forward to strong action by the FIGC.”
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