The FIGC will investigate the claims made by Milan that racist chants were heard at San Siro last Sunday, directed mainly at Tiémoué Bakayoko.
Milan beat Lazio 2-0 last Sunday with goals from Rafael Leão and Zlatan Ibrahimović, but the stories regarding the game did not end with the final whistle.
In addition to the beef between Maurizio Sarri and Alexis Saelemaekers, what caught the headlines was also the alleged racist chants made by Lazio fans during the match, directed at Tiémoué Bakayoko.
Milan chose to not remain silent and filed a complaint against Lazio. Today, the FIGC confirmed that “The Federal Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation against SS Lazio following the complaint filed by AC Milan for discriminatory chants by the Biancocelesti fans against the player Bakayoko during the Milan-Lazio match on the last September 12. The Prosecutor’s Office is acquiring the videos of the match and the documents held by the Milano Police Headquarters.“
Through news agency ANSA, Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis, who is still in the United States treating his throat cancer, released the following statement: “It is our moral commitment to denounce any form of discrimination involving our club, which we cannot and must not ignore. We want to once again confirm our commitment to avoid similar attitudes in the future by collaborating with other clubs and institutions to achieve a common goal.
“The world of football must remain united to protect all players in a decisive and uncompromising way. Intolerance is not a problem created by football but it is undoubtedly reflected in football. For this reason we will continue in our effort to bring about change through football and will launch more awareness activities in the coming days.”
Bakayoko picked up a calf injury against Lazio and is out of action for the next matches. A very difficult start to his return at the club from Chelsea, from all points of view.
