Italy
AC Milan striker Rafael Leão has hit out at "narrow-minded" people after becoming the latest victim of racial abuse, as the problem continues to plague Italian football.
Leão shared an Instagram story from a social media user who wrote in Italian: "I can't stand seeing you anymore. I can't stand supporting you on the pitch anymore. I'm becoming racist... Leave asap, you and your followers".
On Tuesday, Leão, 24, commented on the matter in Portuguese: "Unfortunately, there are always these kinds of narrow-minded people in the world. "
This new racist incident in Italian football comes exactly a month after Leão left the field with the rest of his Milan teammates after Rossoneri goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, was the victim of racist insults at Udinese. The supporters were quickly identified and banned for life by Udinese.
“We are with you Rafa,” Milan said in a message on X. “In our group of supporters and in football there is no place for racism.”
Numerous racist incidents have taken place in Italian and European football for years, with victims in Italy such as Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mario Balotelli and Romelu Lukaku.
Last month, Lazio were punished with a partial stadium closure for racist chants against Lukaku.
01:08
Barcelona's new coach to bring more direct style to the club
Go to video
Paris 2024 Olympics: Argentina “scandalized” by match against Morocco
Go to video
Kompany, Bayern's new head coach, is refining his strategy
01:16
European Football Unions challenge FIFA's fixture overload strategy
01:00
Injured footballer Lionel Messi honoured for his 45th major title
01:28
Philadelphia footballer becomes youngest MLS player