Kevin-Prince Boateng says he was 'treated like an animal' by racist fans
The AC Milan forward has criticised Fifa for their lack of action
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Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was allegedly subjected to racist abuse earlier this season, has criticised Fifa for not doing enough to combat the issue as the Italian game comes under heavy scrutiny for a number of similar incidents since the AC Milan midfielder was targeted.
The Ghanaian is due to meet Fifa president Sepp Blatter to discuss the incident that occurred earlier this season, after giving evidence in a Busto Arsizio court this week.
He stated that he was treated “like an animal” during a mid-season friendly at Pro Patria. Six fans have since been accused of racial abuse in the aftermath of the abandoned match, but incidents in this season’s Europa League fixtures, particularly Inter Milan’s matches against Tottenham, have highlighted a nationwide problem.
The former Portsmouth player was lauded globally for his reaction - after kicking the ball into the crowd and walking off the pitch. He told judge Toni Adet Novik: “Every time I touched the ball I could hear chants being directed straight at me - a kind of 'buh buh' noise that you'd make at an animal.
"I think they were insulting me because my skin isn't white. It happened in Germany too and for me this is clearly racism."
Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri and full-back Daniele Bonera, who captained the Rossoneri during the ill-fated match, also testified against the accused Pro Patria fans.
"He was very shocked and saddened," Allegri said. "He was not happy over the following days.
"These are serious incidents which must not happen and the decision to interrupt the match was the right one."
The fourth division side were ordered to play one game behind closed doors as a consequence of the episode, while Inter were charged for their fans’ behaviour towards Emmanuel Adebayor earlier this week. A fine seems to be the likely punishment for the Milan giants.
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