Vincent Kompany blames politicians for fuelling rise of racism in football with ‘divisive rhetoric’
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was the victim of reported monkey chanting in the latest incident of high-profile racism in football
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Vincent Kompany has accused politicians of using ‘divisive rhetoric’ to set the tone for a rise in high-profile racist incidents in football.
The Manchester City captain was reacting to the reported racist monkey chanting directed at Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly by Inter Milan supporters. Koulibaly was given a second yellow card and sent off for sarcastically clapping at the referee.
Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti said his player was ‘shook’ by the abuse and revealed the club’s request to suspend the game were ignored. The Italian football federation [FIGC] have upheld Koulibaly’s two-game ban and have ordered Inter Milan to play two matches behind closed doors, with a third to be staged with a reduced capacity at San Siro.
The incident in Italy comes weeks after Raheem Sterling was the victim of alleged racist abuse from supporters when City played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have suspended four supporters pending a police investigation and face a Uefa investigation for alleged antisemitic chanting during a Europa League match in Hungary.
Arsenal have also launched an internal investigation into “discriminatory and violent” behaviour by their supporters during a Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham at the Emirates recently.
On Twitter, Kompany said the rise in reported high-profile incidents is “unacceptable” and places some of the blame on politicians.
“Really!? Koulibaly racially abused at San Siro. Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge. This is unacceptable!" he wrote.
“Elected politicians set the tone with divisive rhetoric granted but some level of reason has to return! Respect Ancelotti and Napoli teammates for post match comments.”
Posting on social media, the Napoli defender hinted his second caution was a result of his frustration with the supporters. “I'm sorry about the defeat and especially to have left my brothers! But I am proud of the colour of my skin. Of being French, Senegalese, Neapolitan: a man,” Koulibaly said on Twitter.
Ancelotti said after the game he will take his players off the pitch if they hear racist abuse in the future. “It [the racial abuse] shook him [Koulibaly]. He's a good-mannered player and he was bombarded by the stadium,” he said.
“Despite our requests and the chanting, the game wasn't suspended. I think it should have been. Next time we'll stop playing ourselves.
“It was impossible for him to be calm. He cares a lot about the issue of racism and he commits a lot of time to the matter, including in society. What happened is unacceptable, not just for us but for Italian football as a whole.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Serie A champions Juventus from Real Madrid in summer, also offered his support. “In the world and in football I always want education and respect,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “No to racism and any offence and discrimination!!!”
Napoli teammate Dries Mertens added his backing. “You’re one of the most beautiful people I know, please never change. Don’t react to this bulls***. Let’s stand together! #notoracism,” he said.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina speculated on whether Serie A will not be suspended following a dark night for Italian football, a supporter also died outside San Siero and four others were injured in a collision with a van, and added he is “worried” by the alleged racism aimed at Koulibaly.
“Now we must reflect for a moment and coordinate: it is a problem of public order and as such should be managed, whether we'll be playing or not,” he told Il Messaggero newspaper.
"I am worried about this surreal climate. I'm not a psychologist, but some players were super nervous, it was all evident at San Siro. Now I reflect, because what happened outside is too serious.
"What happened is very bad. In the field I saw players that were too nervous. The referee will write what happened, if he has made some mistakes he will be evaluated too."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments