Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon has apologised to Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly after he received racist abuse in Bergamo.
A supporter was caught on camera shouting racist insults at the Senegal international after the 3-1 home defeat on Sunday.
It is the second time in only a few weeks that Koulibaly has been subjected to racist abuse from the stands, as it also happened against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi.
Atalanta have promised to identify and take action against the supporter who was heard using the offensive and unacceptable language.
Meanwhile, De Roon stepped up personally to send a message to Koulibaly and at the same time defend the reputation of the Dea followers.
“It still saddens me that there’s racism in football. On behalf of all the TRUE Atalanta fans and the people of Bergamo, I’d like to apologize to Koulibaly,” wrote the Dutch international on social media.
The gesture was welcomed both by Napoli fans and those of Atalanta.
De Roon joined the Bergamo side in 2015, moved to Middlesbrough in 2016 and returned just a year later.
He has scored 13 goals in 253 competitive appearances for the club, including on Sunday in the defeat to Napoli.
It still saddens me that there’s racism in football. On behalf of all the TRUE Atalanta fans and the people of Bergamo, I’d like to apologize to Koulibaly. pic.twitter.com/ZQGE4Hzqyn
— Marten de Roon (@Dirono) April 4, 2022
It is nice to see someone stand up to this abuse. The real fans should stand up to this. It is a poison on Calcio, and on Italy. Bravo De Roon!