13yo Called Monkey In Regional Youth Match In Italy

A 13-year-old boy has become the latest victim of racism in Italian football after allegedly being a “monkey” and a “n*gger sh*t” during a youth match by opposing players and their parents in the stands.

The incident occurred during an under-14 regional youth match between Barcanova and Pianezza in the city of Turin located in the Piedmont region in northern Italy on Sunday 19th January.

Local media report the chants came after a young boy named only as Shogbandu went down asking for a penalty in the second half which prompted some opposing players to yell “you are a monkey, get up n*gger sh*t” at him.

Credit: Golders
Barcanova football club

Eyewitness reports claim: “The serious thing is that while the boy was trying to explain his reasons, the Pianezza players started to insult him for the colour of his skin”

The insults were reportedly repeated by fans in the stands which included some of the young footballers’ parents.

Local media report the incident caused the referee to suspend the match which angered some spectators as several threatened him by calling him “baby boy” and told him “we are waiting for you outside, you will see what we do”.

The threats led to the referee reportedly being escorted out of the building by both clubs’ managers. No incidents were reported after the match.

Barcanova president Massimo Capricci spoke with local media and said: “Our society teaches integration and we always try to be very careful.

“Our members come from many parts of the world, racism in these times is unfortunately still present and is also seen in youth football.

“We will ask Pianezza for an apology that will surely come because it is an institution that has our same values.”

Pianezza president Gianni Corrarati also spoke with local media and regretted the incident saying: “It is very sad news for us. I have been working in football for more than 50 years.

“It is a pity that after all the efforts we make to suppress racist situations there is still such excess. We are waiting for the referee report.”

Both Corrarati and Capricci are reportedly both known for being proponents of fair play, respect and following the rules.

It is unclear if Pianezza or its fans will be sanctioned for the incident.

The incident comes after former Manchester United and current Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, 26, said “football is a game in shame” after he received monkey chants during a penalty kick against Cagliari in September 2019.

Former Manchester City and current Brescia striker Mario Balotelli, 29, reproached Lazio fans by saying ” shame on you, shame on you, shame on you. In front of your children, wives, relatives, parents, friends and acquaintances… shame” after he was also subject to racist chants earlier this year.


To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Jana Tomovska, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport


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