Juventus star Gigi Buffon caused controversy when greeting a Chinese fan after the Coppa Italia semi-final with Milan and joking about the coronavirus.
There is video circulating online of Buffon signing autographs in the mixed zone following last night’s match at San Siro.
“I’m watching you, eh? Corona, eh? Damn, are you from Wuhan?” said Buffon as those around them laughed.
He then showed it was not a genuine concern by touching the Chinese fan on the cheek as he winked and walked on to the next autograph.
Juventus star Gigi Buffon caused controversy when greeting a Chinese fan after the Coppa Italia semi-final with Milan and joking about the coronavirus.
There is video circulating online of Buffon signing autographs in the mixed zone following last night’s match at San Siro.
“I’m watching you, eh? Corona, eh? Damn, are you from Wuhan?” said Buffon as those around them laughed.
He then showed it was not a genuine concern by touching the Chinese fan on the cheek as he winked and walked on to the next autograph.
It has, however, sparked condemnation on social media, as many members of the Chinese community in Italy have reported sharp increases in racist behaviour since the coronavirus scare erupted.
Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Alli apologised this week after posting a video on his Snapchat account where he seemed to mock an Asian man and joke about the coronavirus.
Faccio fatica a respirare pic.twitter.com/vemHWMrL1S
— Make Roma Great Again #Spall3tti (@cortomuso) February 14, 2020