A Brescia supporter has been handed a five-year stadium ban for racially abusing Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro during a Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria in January 12, Soccernet.ng reports.
The fan, who was in the stands at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, directed racist slurs at Akinsanmiro, calling him a “monkey” after Sampdoria took the lead through a goal from Massimo Coda.
Sections of the home crowd further targeted the 20-year-old midfielder with monkey chants.
In response, Akinsanmiro reacted by mimicking the gestures and sounds of a monkey, seemingly mocking his abusers.
We are all united against any form of discrimination. We stand with you, Ebenezer.#BUU #BrothersUniversallyUnited #KeepRacismOut https://t.co/7lWQRmb9aT
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) January 13, 2025
While the incident drew mixed reactions, it was other Brescia supporters in attendance who alerted the authorities, leading to an official investigation and subsequent punishment for the offender.
The Italian authorities confirmed that the fan had been issued a “Daspo,” a preventative stadium ban that prohibits them from attending matches for five years, according to Il Giorno.
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While the Brescia racist incident has thrown Akinsanmiro into the limelight for the wrong reasons, the youngster has largely enjoyed his stay in Italy.
READ MORE: “Akinsanmiro has quality” – Juventus and Milan legend Pirlo points out one area Nigerian whizkid must improve
Akinsanmiro, a product of Nigeria’s Beyond Limits Football Academy, made headlines in January 2023 when he joined Inter Milan from Nigerian club Remo Stars. He quickly became a key player for Inter’s U-19 squad before making his senior debut last season.
A two-time winner of the prestigious Youth Viareggio Cup, Akinsanmiro has claimed a winners medal with Inter Milan in the Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Super Cup.
Now on loan at Sampdoria, he has been enjoying regular first-team football in Serie B, making 25 appearances and scoring one goal so far this campaign.
