AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Coppa Italia Ebenezer Akinsanmiro of UC Sampdoria gestures during the Coppa Italia match between AS Roma and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on December 18, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Photo by IMAGO
Juventus and Inter Milan have shown their support for Ebenezer Akinsanmiro after the midfielder was subjected to racist abuse during a Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The two Serie A giants took to Twitter to express solidarity with the 20-year-old Nigerian, condemning the incident and standing firmly against discrimination.
Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Sampdoria from Inter Milan, has been a regular starter for the Ligurian club this season.
The Nigerian midfielder, who joined Sampdoria last summer, was targeted by Brescia fans during a league match with racist “monkey” chants.
The abuse escalated after Sampdoria took the lead through a goal by Massimo Coda, prompting Akinsanmiro to respond with ironic monkey gestures toward the offending fans.
Sampdoria coach Leonardo Semplici substituted Akinsanmiro shortly afterward to prevent further escalation, though the gesture had already drawn criticism.
Brescia coach Pierpaolo Bisoli accused the midfielder of “inciting violence” by provoking the crowd.
However, Akinsanmiro has received support from his parent club, Inter Milan, and fellow Serie A giants Juventus.
Inter Milan swiftly issued a statement on Twitter: “We’re all brothers of the world.”
Juventus echoed this sentiment in a reply to Sampdoria’s own post supporting Akinsanmiro: “Never again. Juventus against racism.”
Akinsanmiro’s agent, Crescenzo Cecere, has also defended his client’s actions, calling the response “provocative but beautiful.”
Speaking to Radio Sportiva via TuttoSampdoria, Cecere said:
“Akinsanmiro took it with a smile, and that’s what matters. He was the best player on the pitch, and unfortunately, this made him a target for verbal attacks. Racism must be completely condemned.”
Cecere added that the referee cautioned Akinsanmiro and that Semplici’s decision to substitute him was necessary to avoid further insults.
“It was an unpleasant situation,” Cecere remarked. “He had to leave because of the actions of a few troublemakers.”
Akinsanmiro rose to prominence at Beyond Limits Football Academy, a feeder team for Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars.
He joined Inter Milan on deadline day in January 2023, featuring prominently for their U-19 team before earning a senior debut last season.
This season, his loan to Sampdoria has provided regular first-team experience, with the 20-year-old making 21 appearances and scoring one goal.
This post was last modified on January 16, 2025 6:49 am
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