Sampdoria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was subjected to racist abuse during his side’s Serie B clash against Brescia at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, Softfootball reports.
The Nigerian, who is on loan from Inter Milan, was targeted with racist chants and monkey noises from a section of the home supporters shortly after the match began.
The abuse continued despite repeated announcements from the stadium urging fans to stop, with warnings that the game could be suspended.
After Massimo Coda gave Sampdoria the lead, Akinsanmiro responded by mimicking a monkey gesture towards the crowd, an action that earned him a yellow card. Sampdoria coach Leonardo Semplici later substituted the midfielder before halftime to protect him from further incidents.
Defending his player after the game, Semplici said:
He was the best player on the pitch before the incident.
He also questioned claims that the racist chants were not heard by everyone inside the stadium. Sampdoria later posted a message of support for the Nigerian on the club’s official social media channels.
The latest incident has reignited concerns about racism in Italian football, with many calling for stronger action to protect players from discriminatory abuse.
