Racism Strikes Again in Serie A as Kevin Constant Targeted by Fans
Racism continues to cast a dark shadow over European football, with recent incidents showing that more action is needed to address this ongoing issue. Despite previous efforts, including gestures of support for players like Daniel Alves and strong condemnations from figures like FIFA President Sepp Blatter, racial abuse persists on the continent’s pitches.
In the latest episode, Kevin Constant, the AC Milan defender from Guinea, was targeted by fans during his team’s Serie A match against Atalanta Bergamo, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Milan. During stoppage time, a group of Atalanta supporters threw bananas onto the pitch aimed at Constant, a disgusting gesture rooted in racial prejudice.
Teammate Nigel de Jong reacted swiftly, picking up the banana that had been thrown and drawing attention to the vile incident. The moment was captured on social media, with a tweet from Sky Sport showing de Jong handling the banana thrown onto the pitch as a statement of support for his teammate.
The incident drew widespread condemnation on social media, with many expressing their disgust at the racism still prevalent in the game. Giancarlo Rinaldi, a sports journalist, shared his thoughts: “Depressing stuff to see a banana thrown on the pitch near Kevin Constant in Atalanta v Milan,” reflecting the widespread outrage over such incidents.
This latest attack on a player of color highlights the need for more concrete action to stamp out racism in football. Despite the occasional show of solidarity, these acts of discrimination continue to mar the beautiful game, and it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of their race or background.
