UEFA has said that the correct anti-racism protocol was not followed in case of Inter Milan-Napoli matchup.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly had to face repeated racist abuse throughout the match until he was sent off.
European Football’s governing body UEFA has said that the right anti-racism protocol was not followed in case of the Inter Milan- Napoli matchup. Napoli defensive ace Kalidou Koulibaly had to face repeated racial abuse from the opposition fans throughout the match. Eventually, the player was sent off for sarcastically applauding to a yellow card shown to him for a foul on Matteo Politano as the referee sent him off the pitch with a second booking.
As per UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, the match should have been suspended but referee Paolo Mazzoleni let the match continue. UEFA said, “Koulibaly was subject to racist chanting and, despite announcements made by the stadium speaker, the chants did not stop. Moreover, it seems that Napoli’s coaching staff had already informed the referee several times of racist chants.”
UEFA added, “Both organisations are of the opinion that the racist chants towards Koulibaly, who had to leave the pitch after receiving a second yellow card, are unacceptable and have no place in football. FIFPro and UEFA support the Italian football authorities on any additional measure that will be taken to tackle racism in stadia for which FIFPro and UEFA have a zero-tolerance policy.”
As a consequence for their fans’ racist behaviour, Inter Milan have been handed the punishment of playing two home matches in the Serie A behind closed doors and another one with the north stand closed.
SEE ALSO:Â Inter Milan to play behind clsoed doors
