As a result of the 0-0 draw between Roma and Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday, during which sections of the home crowd allegedly chanted racial slurs at Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Serie A has announced that it has launched an investigation into the matter, with the intention of imposing sanctions on anyone found guilty.
According to a report, the Federal Prosecutor’s office will launch an inquiry to discover the degree of the Roma fans’ involvement, the duration of the chant, and the identities of those engaged.
Osimhen, who was sent out earlier this season for a response foul against Venezia, came dangerously close to being sent off when he sent a tiny kick out at Gianluca Mancini after they collided.
In a game with limited chances, Napoli had a great double chance on the hour mark when Matteo Politano pulled back from the by-line for Osimhen, who hit the woodwork from point-blank range before Mario Rui was blocked by a strong Rick Karsdorp challenge.
Osimhen’s looping header from the follow-up corner bounced against the top of the crossbar. On 88 minutes, the former Lille striker thought he had won the game with a thunderous header, but he was called offside.
Roma ultras also shouted insults at their former coach Luciano Spalletti, who replied by waving sarcastically to the crowd and was eventually kicked off at the final whistle, following opposing manager Jose Mounriho, who was sent off with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game.
This latest incident comes three weeks after Osimhen and Napoli teammates Senegal defender, Kalidou Koulibaly and Cameroon’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, were racially abused by fans of Fiorentina on October 3 following the Neapolitans’ 2-1 win at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
The Nigerian player issued a statement asking everyone to understand how disgusting racism is which forced Fiorentina to apologise for the incident.
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