Romelu Lukaku’s agent said the Lega Serie A’s anti-racism campaign is “embarrassing,” while Roma and Kick It Out suggest it is revisited.
The three paintings by artist Simone Fugazzotto are meant to be part of a wider initiative combating racism in football, but its use of monkeys to stop fans making racist monkey noises at black players has inevitably hit the wrong note.
Romelu Lukaku’s agent said the Lega Serie A’s anti-racism campaign is “embarrassing,” while Roma and Kick It Out suggest it is revisited.
The three paintings by artist Simone Fugazzotto are meant to be part of a wider initiative combating racism in football, but its use of monkeys to stop fans making racist monkey noises at black players has inevitably hit the wrong note.
We interviewed Fugazzotto to ask about the thinking behind the paintings.
So far, the only club to come out and criticise the imagery has been Roma, who were careful to point out the intention was good, albeit very misguided.
“AS Roma was very surprised to see what appears to be an anti-racist campaign from Serie A featuring painted monkeys on social media today,” read a statement via their official Twitter account.
“We understand the league wants to tackle racism, but we don’t believe this is the right way to do it.”
Anti-racist campaigners Kick It Out also appreciated the sentiment, but suggested a different approach might be more beneficial.
“It is encouraging when any governing body recognises they need to do more to tackle discrimination. Sadly, Serie A’s use of monkeys in their anti-racism campaign is completely inappropriate, undermines any positive intent and will be counter-productive. We hope that the league reviews and replaces their campaign graphics.”
Inter striker Romelu Lukaku’s agent was less forgiving of the intention behind the campaign and more stunned by its inappropriate imagery.
“Every time Serie A opens its mouth it gets worse,” chief executive of Roc Nation agency Michael Yormark told The Telegraph.
“Every time Serie A comes out with anything with regards to racism and their strategy to combat it gets worse. The visuals they released are insensitive, are embarrassing not only for the league but for their member clubs all throughout Italy.
“I cannot comprehend it. It is just indicative of their lack of understanding. It is indicative that they have no clue what to do in relation to racism in football. It is time they seek advice and counselling from organisations that understand this issue.
“It is one thing to have a challenge. You want to make sure whether it is the club or league that they are addressing concerns the right way and protecting the players, because at the end of the day it is the players that people are coming to watch and the league and teams have a responsibility to protect them and create a positive environment to perform in.
“Right now, that doesn't exist in Serie A. This is the league's responsibility to set the tone, the direction, to have an action plan and enforce it. It starts there and needs to be reinforced by the 20 clubs in Serie A.
“How can clubs really take a strong position against racism when the league has no clue what they are doing?”