Lazio claim they have used ‘all the tools available’ to tackle racism and condemn those who abused Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda but insists their fans are ‘not racist.’
Barcelona loanee Umtiti was reduced to tears during Lazio-Lecce on Wednesday following racist abuse from Lazio fans who also targeted his teammate Banda.
The Biancocelesti have now released a statement to condemn the group of fans responsible for the incident.
“The referee was forced to suspend the game Lecce-Lazio due to racist abuse of a player of the home team,” the club said.
“Lazio have always used all the tools available against every form of racism and discrimination, putting in place initiatives to repress these incidents, raising awareness of this issue and acting in the offices responsible for protecting their image.
“Even today, the club condemns those responsible for this deplorable, shameful and anachronistic gesture and will always offer the greatest cooperation to the authorities to identify them.
“Lazio fans are not racist and cannot be associated with a few individuals who seriously harm the club’s image.”
Umtiti shared FIFA’s statement on his Instagram stories adding that football is ‘pleasure and joy, the rest doesn’t count.’
The French defender joined Lecce on loan last summer and is expected to return to Barcelona at the end of the season. It is still unclear whether FIGC will take action against Lazio or their fans following yesterday’s shameful incidents at the Stadio Via Del Mare.
It’s not a “few individuals” when it can be heard on the pitch in stadium full of tens of thousands of people.
Used “all the tools available”?? Do me a favour!
How come they stated that lazio fans are not racist when all evidence proofed they are!
BS statement