Europa League: AS Roma say they are taking a zero-tolerance attitude towards racism after their fans racially abused AC Milan players during a Serie A game, resulting in the club being handed a suspended closure of a section of the Stadio Olimpico.
Lega Serie A issued a statement on Tuesday saying that discriminatory and racist chants were aimed at Milan players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie during Sunday’s 2-1 victory for the Rossoneri in Rome.
Europa League: AS Roma taking zero-tolerance against racism after facing stadium closure suspension
The Curva Sud section, home to the club’s hard-line ‘Ultras’ groups, was guilty of hosting those targeting the duo with abuse, and the league issued a one-year suspended sentence of closing the stand for one game.
“There is zero tolerance of racism in any form at AS Roma,” the Serie A club said in a statement.
“For many years the club has been deeply committed to tackling racism and all forms of discrimination. As an organisation we continue to do everything possible to advance positive change,” it added.
Europa League: AS Roma taking zero-tolerance against racism after facing stadium closure suspension
The club, however, refused from accepting the allegations and said that it is still investigating the matter with concerned authorities.
“The club is currently not in possession of all the information and evidence related to the specific episodes cited by the sporting authorities, but is already in contact with the authorities and relevant governing bodies in order to ascertain exactly what occurred,” said the club in its statement.