Terrace racism prompts Milan player protests
AC MILAN backed their former Tottenham midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng last night after he led his team-mates off the pitch because of racist abuse.
Ghana international Boateng, 25, reacted angrily to chants from some fans towards him and other black Milan players during a friendly at fourth tier side Pro Patria. In the 26th minute he picked up the ball up and kicked it into the crowd, before removing his shirt and leaving the pitch. He was followed to the changing rooms by players from both teams as the match was abandoned.
“We need to stop these uncivilised gestures,” said boss Massimiliano Allegri. “We couldn’t make any other decision. I hope it can be an important signal.”
Milan director Umberto Gandini also supported the move, writing on Twitter: “Very proud of the Milan players who decided to walk off the pitch today for racist abuse from few idiots! No racism, no stupidity!”
The incident follows an apparent rise in racist activity in top level football over recent months.