Barely 48 hours after Samuel Umtiti left the pitch in tears following the racist chants he and Lameck Banda were subjected to by Lazio fans during a match against Leece, the Italian club has been handed a partial stadium ban.
Umtiti left the pitch in tears after Lecce came from behind to pick up an impressive 2-1 win over Lazio.
Lecce’s win was however overshadowed by appalling racism from the away end, who targeted Umtiti and Zambia international striker Lameck Banda. With the home supporters rallying to chant Umtiti’s name, the center-back left the pitch in tears.
Lecce did their best to support Umtiti, who joined the club on loan from Barcelona in the summer following a tough period in his career after winning the 2018 World Cup with France. Lecce tweeted: “Racist chants have been overwhelmed by songs of encouragement! All the yellow and red Lecce fans started shouting one name: Umtiti.”
After the game, Umtiti took to Instagram, writing: “Great win #forzalecce” alongside a picture of him celebrating. He received plenty of replies, with Lyon pair Jerome Boateng and Alexandre Lacazette, Reading defender Naby Sarr and his Lecce teammate Strefezza all sending supportive messages.
The racist abuse also prompted an Instagram post from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda – let’s shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM!” he wrote.
Following the reactions to the racist chants, Italian authorities have now handed Lazio a partial stadium ban for their next match at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio has been hit with sanctions by the authorities on several occasions because of the discriminatory behavior of their supporters. The club based in Rome will serve their new ban on Sunday when they take on Empoli at home in Serie A.
