Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly believes anti-Neapolitan chants “enter into the definition of racism”.
The centre-back was racially abused by Lazio fans in February 2016, causing the match at the Stadio Olimpico to be suspended.
However, at most Serie A games featuring the Partenopei there are anti-southern and anti-Neapolitan chants, and the defender believes they fall under the same rubric.
“In some parts of Italy we have more discrimination,” Koulibaly told TV Luna as he attended an anti-racism initiative.
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly believes anti-Neapolitan chants “enter into the definition of racism”.
The centre-back was racially abused by Lazio fans in February 2016, causing the match at the Stadio Olimpico to be suspended.
However, at most Serie A games featuring the Partenopei there are anti-southern and anti-Neapolitan chants, and the defender believes they fall under the same rubric.
“In some parts of Italy we have more discrimination,” Koulibaly told TV Luna as he attended an anti-racism initiative.
“Not only racial but in terms of country, what part of Italy you come from, as it is for the Neapolitans.
“We’re entering into the definition of racism, they bother everyone, I’m Neapolitan and I’m very disappointed.
“I hope it can be eliminated and we can all be equal on the world stage. You need to deal with the problems first, only part of it is in the stadium. I hope that hand in hand we can find the solution.
“Suspending matches could be a solution, I’m sorry that it affects all the fans but it works, we saw that against Lazio.
“[Referee Massimiliano] Irrati was very brave, and after that I heard nothing more. He allowed me to continue the game and it’s a gesture I’ll never forget.
“There’s no difference between us, whether its our skin, obesity, there’s no difference between us. Even at Napoli we’re all from different countries, but we’re part of one family.”