Serie A: defender Samuel Umtiti leaves in tears following racist remarks by Lazio fans, FIFA takes a stand

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France World Cup-winning defender Samuel Umtiti and Lecce team-mate Lameck Banda were attacked with racial slurs by traveling Lazio supporters during the sides’ home game in Serie A on Wednesday December 4. As Italian news agency Ansa reported, Lazio fans hurled racial slurs at Banda during the first half and at Umtiti during the next.

It was during the second half that the referee stopped the game after stadium announcers called for the abuse to stop. After the match, Umtiti was seen leaving the pitch in tears while receiving a standing ovation from the home fans.

As quoted in Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport – Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani even commented on the matter, saying he (Umtiti) wanted to respond to the insults on the pitch. He reacted like a true champion.”

Even on the club’s Twitter account, it was written: “The racial slurs were drowned out by the cheers of encouragement for our champion!” with the hashtag – #KeepRacismOut

Samuel Umtiti, who is currently on loan at Lecce from Barcelona, ​​even posted a picture on his Instagram account saying: “Only football, fun, joy. The rest doesn’t count.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also sent a message of support to Umtiti and Banda by posting it on his Instagram account, let’s shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM! May the overwhelming majority of fans, who are good people, rise up to silence all racists once and for all!”

Meanwhile, local team Lecce won the match against Lazio 2-1.

While Lazio sit in fifth place with 30 points from 16 games, Lecce struggle in the other half of the table with just 18 points from 16 games played.

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