Lazio’s stadium to be partially closed for two matches after fans sing racist chants towards opposition players
Says Sassuolo's Claud Adjapong: 'It's strange in 2017 there are still people who discriminate due to colour of your skin and sexuality'
LAZIO will have part of their stadium shut down for the next two games as a punishment for racist chanting.
The Italian club have an unfortunate history in dealing with racism amongst its fans.
And the problem resurfaced again on Sunday during a 6-1 win over Sassuolo.
Visiting players Claud Adjapong and Alfred Duncan were subjected to derogatory remarks from the stands.
Adjapong was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and has represented Italy Under-19s. Duncan is from Ghana.
Adjapong, currently on international duty with Italy Under-21s, spoke of his disgust at what was shouted even if he did not let it get to him.
"I heard the racist chants at the Olimpico, but when I'm on the field, I just focus on playing my game and obtaining my objective," he told .
"It's strange that in 2017 there are still people who discriminate due to the colour of your skin and your sexuality.
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"I've had experiences of this in the past, but when I'm on the field it doesn't interest me what people say to each other."
The net result of the Lazio fans' outburst was that Serie A bigwigs decided to close the Curva Nord for the match against Cagliari on October 22.
There will also be no Lazio supporters in that section when Udinese vome calling on November 5.
That's because league officials decided to apply a sanction that had been conditionally suspended for racist chanting during the Rome derby on April 30.
Sadly, Lazio has been fined and subjected to stadium closures for years due to racist incidents.
Last week, Lazio beat Belgian side Zulte Waregem 2-0 in a Europa League match behind closed doors.
That was down to punishment from UEFA for racist chants aimed at a Sparta Prague player in the Rome side's last continental appearance two seasons ago.
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