Supportive messages have poured in from across the football world for Samuel Umtiti after the former Barcelona star was racially abused by Lazio fans on Wednesday night.
Umtiti left the pitch in tears after Lecce came from behind to pick up an impressive 2-1 win over the side from Rome. Ciro Immoible put Lazio ahead early on with a neat finish, but Gabriel Strefezza's rebound and Lorenzo Colombo's finish from Federico Di Francesco’s cross completed the comeback for the home side in Serie A.
But Lecce’s win was overshadowed by appalling racism from the away end, who targeted Umtiti and Zambia international striker Lameck Banda. With the home supporters rallying to chant Umtiti’s name, the centre-back left the pitch in tears.
Lecce did their best to support Umtiti, who joined the club on loan from Barcelona in the summer following a tough period in his career after winning the 2018 World Cup with France. Lecce tweeted: “Racist chants have been overwhelmed by songs of encouragement! All the yellow and red Lecce fans started shouting one name: Umtiti.”
After the game, Umtiti took to Instagram, writing: “Great win #forzalecce” alongside a picture of him celebrating. He received plenty of replies, with Lyon pair Jerome Boateng and Alexandre Lacazette, Reading defender Naby Sarr and his Lecce teammate Strefezza all sending supportive messages.
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The racist abuse also prompted an Instagram post from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda - let’s shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM!” he wrote.
The game was paused due to the racist abuse from the away end (Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)“May the huge majority of fans, who are good people, stand up to shut up all the racists once and for all!”
The match was paused for several minutes while the stadium announcer pleaded with the Lazio away fans to stop their racist chanting. After the Lecce fans responded by chanting of Umtiti’s name, the game did continue and finished with a home win.
Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani later claimed that Umtiti asked for the game to resume. Sticchi Damiani embraced Umtiti at the end of the game to show his support for the 29-year-old.
“I hugged Samuel, as I do with all his teammates. After each match, regardless of the result, I want to greet the boys and the staff,” he said.
“When the referee stopped the game, waiting for the announcer to call for an end to the racist chants, Umtiti asked for the game to resume because he wanted to respond to the insults he received on the pitch. He reacted like a true champion.”
Umtiti has struggled with injuries over the past few years and was making just his sixth appearance in Serie A this season. Lecce climbed to 12th in the Serie A table, while Lazio are fifth, three points out of the top four.
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