Dzeko: Racism in Italy worse than expected

Published on: 16 September 2019

Gab Marcotti recommends closed-door games to punish fans following the racist chants directed at Romelu Lukaku during Inter's win over Cagliari.

ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti gives reasons why Inter Milan have yet to condemn their own ultras' statement of support of Cagliari's racist chants towards Romelu Lukaku.

Jadon Sancho has spoken out about the detrimental impact of racism in football, following the abuse given to Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan.

Juan Mata criticised racist comments aimed at Paul Pogba as "cowardly" in an interview with ESPN's Rob Dawson.

Shaka Hislop calls on UEFA to do more than assessing a monetary fine, following alleged racial abuse directed at England players in Montenegro.

Roma striker Edin Dzeko has said there is more racism in Italian football than he expected before moving to Serie A.

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku was subjected to monkey chants from a section of Cagliari supporters this month after former Juventus man Moise Kean was racially abused by the same fanbase last season.

England internationals Marcus Rashford and Tammy Abraham have received online abuse this season but Dzeko -- who has played in Serie A for four years -- said the problem is more prevalent in Italy.

- Inter ultras defend Cagliari racist abuse of Lukaku
- Lukaku: Italy must fight racism to attract top stars
- Mata slams 'cowardly' racist abuse toward Pogba

"I think [racism] is a bigger problem than, maybe, in other countries, especially in England," Dzeko told Sky Sports. "I don't know what to say about that.

"But I think in Italy, it's much more than expected. I think, also, it has to come from the federation, they have to protect the players. That's the only way.

ESPN Luck Index

    ESPN's Luck Index: Man City, Aguero unlucky? Man United lucky?

    Marcotti: Luck Index 2019 lessons

"I know, when I was playing in England, it is much improved. There is always less and less racism there."

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has called on Italy to learn from the Premier League in the fight against racism, after he suffered racist abuse from a section of Inter Milan fans last season.

Lukaku called for players to unify against the issue and Dzeko said perpetrators must be banned from stadiums.

"But hopefully, for the good of the other players, these things have to stop and hopefully the federation can see this as well and try to stop it in any way possible," he added.

"If you hear someone, you just ban him from the stadium. They cannot come anymore. We don't those racist people at the stadiums."

Source: espn.co.uk

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more