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Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro performed dances mimicking a monkey after he was racially abused during a Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria.
Akinsanmiro, who is on loan to Sampdoria from Inter Milan became the target of racist chants and monkey noises from a section of Brescia supporters at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti on Sunday night, January 12.
The racist abuse began almost immediately after kick-off, with audible ‘boos’ directed at 21-year-old Akinsanmiro throughout the early stages of the game, according to Corriere della Sera.
The situation became so severe that the stadium announcer had to repeatedly call for the home fans to cease their behaviour, warning that the match could be suspended if the racist chants continued.
The tension towered around the 30-minute mark when Sampdoria took the lead through a goal by Coda.
Reacting to the opening goal the 21-year-old Nigerian, celebrated by mimicking a monkey gesture towards the offending section of the crowd.
This action led to his booking by the referee and further intensified the hostile atmosphere in the stadium.
As the match progressed, the situation on the field became increasingly heated, with several rough challenges directed at Akinsanmiro.
Sampdoria’s coach, Leonardo Semplici, made the decision to substitute the young player around the 40-minute mark to protect him from potential further incidents or disciplinary action.
As Akinsanmiro left the pitch, he sarcastically applauded towards the stands, a final act of defiance against the abuse he had endured. In the aftermath of the match, Brescia’s coach Pierpaolo Bisoli made controversial comments that have further fuelled the debate.
Bisoli claimed he “hadn’t heard anything” regarding the racist chants, despite the stadium announcer’s repeated interventions, and criticized Akinsanmiro’s reaction, stating, “You can’t provoke the public like that. Regardless, you must show respect.”
Sampdoria coach Semplici, in contrast, defended his player vigorously in his post-match comments, praising Akinsanmiro’s performance while describing him as the best player on the field before the incident.
He expressed regret over the situation and questioned Bisoli’s claim of not hearing the racist chants, pointing out that even the referee had previously addressed the issue.
