RACISM: Umtiti in tears following racist abuse from Lazio supporters

Samuel Umtiti was subjected to racist abuse from Lazio fans during their 2-1 defeat to Lecce in the Serie A on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

The game was briefly halted by the referee Referee Livio Marinelli in the second half as the opposing fans targeted Samuel Umtiti who is on loan from Barcelona with racist chants.

As the chants escalated, he considered halting the match altogether, but it continued as Lecce supporters started chanting Umtiti’s name according to TuttoSport.

President Saverio Sticchio Damiani explained to Gazetta dello Sport that Umtiti was keen to continue playing on through the adversity.

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“When the referee stopped the game, waiting for the announcer to stop the racist chants, Umtiti asked him to restart it because he wanted to respond to the insults received on the field. He reacted like a true champion.”

Following the final whistle, Umtiti broke down in tears. Posting a message on Instagram with the caption “Just football, fun, joy. The rest doesn’t count.”

His teammate Lameck Banda, who subbed off at half-time, was the subject of slurs as well.

In response to the shameful conduct of the Lazio fans, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino posted a message of support for Umtiti on his verified Instagram handle.

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The post reads, “Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda – let’s shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM! May the huge majority of fans, who are good people, stand up to shut up all the racists once and for all!”

Lazio boss, Mauricio Sarri claimed he never heard the abuse during the game, but condemned the act.

Sarri said, “I don’t want to overlook the matter, but I swear I didn’t hear anything from the bench. I asked the referee about it during the stoppage, because I was unaware of what was happening. Our supporters shouldn’t be associated with racism. They should be represented by their majority and not a minority.”

Sporting Tribune reports that Brazil forward Vinicius Junior was also subjected to racist chants from Real Valladolid fans during Madrid’s 2-0 win on December 30, 2022.