NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) – Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly said that he was racially abused by a section of Fiorentina supporters following their Serie A match on Sunday.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Victor Osimhen and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were also targeted after their defeat by Napoli.
Alongside a photograph of himself pointing into the crowd, Koulibaly said he had heard the abuse from the stands and called for action.
“‘F****** monkey’ – that’s what they called me,” Koulibaly said on his Twitter and Instagram accounts. “These subjects have nothing to do with sport.
“They must be identified and kept out of the stadiums: forever. #NoToRacism.”
Nigerian striker Osimhen released a statement via social media, which was retweeted by the official Napoli team account.
“Speak to your kids, your parents, make them understand how disgusting it is to hate an individual because of the colour of their skin,” wrote the Nigeria international. NOTORACISM.”
Italian outlet Il Napolista reported Fiorentina director general Joe Barone had personally apologised to the three Napoli players after the match, while Florence’s mayor released a statement on Monday.
“On behalf of Florence, I apologise,” Dario Nardella said on Twitter. “Whoever yesterday offended the players of the Napoli at the stadium does not represent the city and does not represent Fiorentina.”
Italian football has been plagued by racism. Last month, prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged racist chants by Lazio supporters directed at AC Milan midfielders Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie, while Juventus were forced into issuing an apology after their women’s team account tweeted a picture containing a racist gesture in August.
Napoli came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory in Florence, maintaining their 100% win record at the start of the Serie A season to sit top of the standings.
Reuters has approached Fiorentina for comment.
(Reporting by Peter Hall, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
