Newly signed Lazio forward Fisayo Dele Bashiru has faced a barrage of racial abuse from fans just hours after his official unveiling by the Serie A club.
The Nigerian-born player, who grew up in Germany and also played in England, has joined Lazio on loan from Turkish club Hatayspor, with an obligation to buy at the end of the loan period.
The move, which was expected to bolster Lazio’s attacking options, has been overshadowed by the disturbing behavior of some of the club’s supporters.
Since his announcement, social media has been rife with derogatory comments directed at Bashiru.
Many fans have taken to various platforms to hurl racist insults, tarnishing what should have been a celebratory moment for the 23-year-old striker.
“It’s disheartening to see this happening in 2024,” said an anonymous source close to Bashiru. “He’s here to play football and contribute to the team’s success.
These actions are unacceptable and have no place in sports or society.”
Lazio, a club based in Rome, has a history of dealing with issues related to racism among its fan base. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle the club faces in eradicating such behavior.
The management has yet to release an official statement condemning the actions of these fans, but pressure is mounting for them to take a strong stance.
Bashiru’s career has seen him travel across Europe. He began his professional journey in England, where he played for Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Turkey to join Hatayspor.
His performances in Turkey caught the eye of Lazio scouts, leading to his current loan deal.
The young forward is not the first Nigerian player to face such challenges at Lazio. Ogenyi Onazi, another Super Eagles star, began his European career with the Italian club.
Onazi also had to navigate the complexities of playing in a foreign land, though he managed to establish himself as a key player during his tenure.
Despite the negative reception from a section of the fan base, Bashiru remains focused on his career. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for a prestigious club like Lazio and vowed to give his best on the pitch.
“I am excited to be here and to show what I can do,” Bashiru said. “Football is a universal language, and I hope to connect with the fans through my performances.”
Football analysts have condemned the racist behavior, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment in sports.
They argue that clubs and governing bodies need to implement stricter measures to combat racism and protect players.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, has been vocal about its zero-tolerance policy towards racism.
This incident could prompt further action from the organization to ensure that such episodes are addressed promptly and effectively.
The situation at Lazio serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that players of color often face in their careers.
While progress has been made, incidents like this underscore the need for continued efforts to promote equality and respect in football.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Bashiru and his performance on the field.
Supporters and analysts alike will be watching to see how he handles the pressure and whether he can rise above the off-field distractions to make a significant impact for Lazio.
In the meantime, fans and stakeholders in football continue to call for unity and respect, hoping that the beautiful game can once again be a source of joy and inspiration for all.
