Lazio statement on racism and fascism

By Football Italia staff

Lazio released a statement on racist and fascist chants, but also protested at “the simplistic tendency of the media to consider the entire Lazio fanbase responsible for isolated elements.”

The Coppa Italia semi-final at San Siro saw Joaquin Correa secure a 1-0 win over Milan and passage to their third Final in five years.

However, it was also overshadowed by continual racist abuse of Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie before and during the match.

There was also an incident that saw around 50 ultras hold a banner reading ‘Honour to Benito Mussolini’ in the city streets near Piazzale Loreto, where the fascist dictator was killed at the end of World War II.

“SS Lazio clearly distance ourselves from behaviour and manifestations that do not in any way correspond to the values of sport that this club has promoted and supported for 119 years,” read a statement.

“Lazio also reject and contest the simplistic tendency of the media to consider the entire Lazio fanbase responsible for the actions of a few isolated elements, for motivation that has nothing to do with passion for sport.

“The club has always fought for the respect of law and fairness in behaviour.”

The authorities identified and stopped 22 people responsible for that Mussolini banner, 19 of them Lazio supporters and three Inter fans.

Lazio fans even after the game are chanting racist chants aimed towards Bakayoko:



"This banana is for you Bakayoko"



They chanted this before the game, during the game and now after the game.



Stop pretending like you can't hear this, @FIGC.pic.twitter.com/y1dPs1WT6S — TheMilanBible (@TheMilanBible) April 24, 2019

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