Italian politician quits after being accused of participating in racist chanting that led to AC Milan players leaving a football pitch mid-match
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A politician from Italy’s Northern League political party has been forced to quit after being accused of chanting racist comments that led AC Milan football players to walk off the pitch last week.
Riccardo Grittini, 21, the councillor for sport in Corbetta, outside Milan, is under investigation by Varese prosecutors following the scenes last Thursday, which saw a friendly match between the Serie A superstars and fourth division side Pro Patria abandoned.
The Northern League is the populist party that hopes to jockey for power by supporting former premier Silvio Berlusconi’s PDL party in next month’s general elections.
Milan players Kevin-Prince Boateng, M’Baye Niang, Urby Emanuelson and Sulley Muntari were all subjected to racist abuse. AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini eventually led his team off the field.
The next day, AC Milan’s owner Silvio Berlusconi said he had called Boateng – whose angry response prompted the walk-off – to voice his support “for his reaction to a deplorable episode of racism”.
Within 48 hours, however, the tycoon was finalising a pre-election pact with the anti-immigrant Northern League party. A right-wing coalition with the League represents Mr Berlusconi’s only hope of returning to power after next month’s poll. He has said the grouping is a pact of “moderates”.
Meanwhile, Northern League leader Roberto Maroni announced yesterday that Mr Berlusconi has pledged not to stand for the premiership again.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments