Video: AC Milan Walk Off Pitch After Boateng Racist Abuse
AC Milan friendly called off after racist chanting.
Serie A side AC Milan's friendly with lower division side Pro Patria has been abandoned due to racist chanting from a section of the crowd, according to the BBC. Players from both sides were seen to be walking off the field after former Tottenham midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng kicked the ball into the crowd out of frustration with just 25 minutes on the clock. The AC Milan player then removed his shirt and walked the length of the pitch closely followed by players from Pro Patria and match officials. Previously, there had been appeals from the public address announcer for those chanting racial remarks to desist, but it proved futile and it quickly became apparent that the match would not continue. This match abandonment comes on the back of a recent warning from former Juventus and Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira that Italian football is not interested in fighting the issue of racism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR2bucVPEbM I believe that Italy doesn't want to fight racism. For me, that is clear. I don't want England to get where Italy is, because Italy will never fight against it. As a black player, if you go to play in Italy, you have to expect that and you have to accept it.Milan's organising director Umberto Gandini said of the match abandonment:
"It is so sad but we had to give a strong signal. Very proud of all Milan players for their decision. No other comments."