Stamp out racism in Serie A, urge players' union

Racist incidents at Serie A games must be stamped out by authorities, the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC) urged yesterday following incidents involving Clarence Seedorf and Jonathan Zebina at the weekend.

Milan's Dutch midfielder Seedorf was the target of racist chants from Lazio fans in a 1-1 draw in Serie A, which led to the Rome club being given a €15,000 fine by the Italian Football League yesterday.

Zebina, meanwhile, blamed racism after being slapped in the back of his neck by a supporter of his troubled Juventus side ahead of the match against Atalanta.

"The Italian Footballers' Association expresses total solidarity and support for Jonathan Zebina and Clarence Seedorf, who were hit by despicable incidents of racism on Sunday," the body representing Italy's professional players said.

"In firmly condemning these shameful acts, the AIC hopes that all elements in football will work with concrete actions to combat these expressions of incivility by a violent minority that must be isolated and silenced at all costs."

French defender Zebina also said he was provoked by racists when he showed his middle finger to his side's supporters during a 4-1 Europa League defeat at Fulham earlier this month.

"It was a racist act," said Zebina.

"I believe one has the right to criticise the team. We, players, are fortunate. We have an important responsibility considering the social climate in which we live, where people are losing their jobs.

"Hence, those that pay for a ticket to watch a game can protest as long as it is done with civility."

This is not the first time this season Juve fans have been accused of racism.

A section of Juve fans were banned earlier this year by the Italian Football League from attending a game after racial taunts against Inter striker Mario Balotelli.

However, Zebina believes authorities should take more action.

"The institutions should send out more signals of condemnation," he said.

"I don't think Italy is racist but I am saddened that the image of this country is stained by incidents like this one.

"I believe these acts also take place in France, England and the United States. These episodes, however, do not tarnish the image that I have of Italy having lived here for 12 years."

On Sunday, Juve beat Atalanta 2-1 to end a three-match winless run.

Meanwhile, the Italian Football League said yesterday that it had fined second-placed Roma €25,000 for a racist chant and other disturbances by their fans during Saturday's 2-1 win over leaders Inter.