Serie A investigate Lazio’s alleged racist chanting after AC Milan complaint

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Tiemoue Bakayoko claimed on social networks that he had been the victim of racist chants from Lazio fans. Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce / LiveMedia / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged racist chants by Lazio supporters directed at AC Milan midfielders Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie last weekend, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Friday.

The statement added that video footage of the incident, which allegedly took place during Milan’s Serie A victory over Lazio on Sunday at San Siro, is being examined after Milan filed a complaint.

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Bakayoko said he and his Milanese teammate Kessie, both black, had been the target of derogatory chants from Lazio supporters.

“To some Lazio fans and their racist cries towards me and my brother [Kessie]. We are strong and proud of our skin color. I have all my confidence in our club to identify them, “Bakayoko wrote on Instagram after the match.

Ahead of Milan’s trip to Juventus on Sunday, coach Stefano Pioli told a press conference: “Regarding the situation with Bakayoko, I am proud to be part of a club that is striving to ‘to be on the front line against any kind of discrimination. We must continue on this path. “

Lazio have been hit with numerous stadium bans and fines for racist behavior by their fans in the past.

“It is our moral duty to report any form of discrimination involving our club,” said Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis. “We want to once again confirm our commitment to avoid such attitudes in the future, working with other clubs and institutions to achieve a common goal. Football must be united to protect our players decisively and without compromise .

Gazidis added: “Intolerance is not a problem created by football, but it is undoubtedly reflected in football. For this reason, we will continue our efforts to bring changes through football and we will launch other initiatives in the coming days. “

Milan beat Lazio 2-0 on Sunday to extend their perfect start to Serie A.

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri received a red card after the final whistle as several players including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas Leiva clashed on the pitch. Sarri was then suspended for two matches.

Information from Reuters was included in this report.

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