Kalidou Koulibaly says he “proud of skin colour” after suffering vile racist abuse against Inter Milan
The central defender was subjected to monkey noises during Napoli's game at the San Siro yesterday
KALIDOU KOULIBALY hit back at supporters that racially abused him yesterday by insisting he is "proud of my skin colour".
The Napoli centre-back was targeted with monkey noises during Napoli's 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan.
He was sent-off for two quickfire bookings ten minutes from time - the second of which appeared to be for sarcastically clapping.
After Koulidably was shown the red card, there was still time for Lautaro Martinez to score the game's only goal in injury time and Lorenzo Insigne was then also sent off for the visitors.
But the Senegalese star - who dealt Manchester United a blow by agreeing a new deal at Napoli this week - refused to let his abusers get the better of him.
He said: "I am sorry about the loss and above all to have left my brothers [out on the pitch].
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"However I am proud of my skin colour. To be a French, Senegalese and Neapolitan man."
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to offer his support for his Serie A rival.
Ronaldo said: "In the world and in football I always want education and respect. No to racism and any offense and discrimination!!!"
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti was seething with the incident and repeatedly asked for the game to be suspended.
He then suggested his club would have to take their own action in order to see change after the latest racism incident in football.The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain boss said: "Koulibaly was certainly irritable.
"Usually, he is very calm and professional, but he was subjected to monkey noises throughout the game.
"We asked three times for some action to be taken, but the match continued. We keep being told play can be halted, but when? After four or five announcements?
"Maybe we have to take matters into our own hands next time and stop play ourselves. They’ll probably make us lose the game if we walk off, but we are prepared to do it. It’s not good for Italian football, seeing this.”
Also on Boxing Day, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri condemned the "stupid" minority of his side's fans after more allegations of ugly chanting, this time at Watford.