‘Black players must leave Italy’

Former Chelsea and Senegal striker Demba Ba has urged all black players to leave Italy following the recent racism storm.

Cagliari fans racially abused Inter striker Romelu Lukaku during a Serie A match last weekend, in what was the latest in a long line of ugly incidents involving clubs on the peninsula.

That was then followed by Inter ultras defending their Cagliari counterparts, telling Lukaku in an open letter that the monkey chants he received were not racist.

Former Chelsea and Senegal striker Demba Ba has urged all black players to leave Italy following the recent racism storm.

Cagliari fans racially abused Inter striker Romelu Lukaku during a Serie A match last weekend, in what was the latest in a long line of ugly incidents involving clubs on the peninsula.

That was then followed by Inter ultras defending their Cagliari counterparts, telling Lukaku in an open letter that the monkey chants he received were not racist.

“And here’s the reason why I decided not to play there when I could…” tweeted Ba with a link to the shocking statement.

“And at that point I wish all the black players would get out of this League!

“Surely it won't stop their stupidity and hate but at least they won’t affect other [games].”

The 34-year-old also previously played for the likes of Besiktas, Shanghai Shenhua, Newcastle United and Hoffenheim but has never plyed his trade in Italy.