Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso assures “the Italian people are not racist, but we cannot allow those few to ruin everyone’s reputation.”
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“The fans have been excellent with me, the city, the fans, the politicians, the players. We are all a family. I didn’t expect so much affection,” Commisso told Sky Sport Italia.
Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso assures “the Italian people are not racist, but we cannot allow those few to ruin everyone’s reputation.”
It kicks off at 17.00 GMT, follow all the action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“The fans have been excellent with me, the city, the fans, the politicians, the players. We are all a family. I didn’t expect so much affection,” Commisso told Sky Sport Italia.
“My love for Italy is eternal, I made my fortune in America and when there is the opportunity, especially in America, Italians have always managed to do well for themselves. It’d be nice to see in future those same opportunities for the Italians in Italy.”
Commisso has come out firmly against racist abuse from fans and there was another incident today when Brescia star Mario Balotelli threatened to walk off after racist abuse from Hellas Verona fans.
“I have said since the first day, it’s a minority in our football – because the Italian people are not racist – but we cannot allow those few to ruin everyone else’s reputation.
“I’ve said Serie A ought to be second perhaps only to the Premier League. That is my long-term ambition, to raise the overall level of this league.
“I hope the other Presidents can also join me in working towards this objective.”