The growing amount of incidents involving players being racially abused has somewhat spiked in the past year or two. Rhian Brewster, Raheem Sterling, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Danny Rose and, most recently, Moise Kean have all been subjected to the abhorrent language by fans. Racism is unacceptable in all circumstances, but Juventus didn't exactly take that approach.
After scoring the second in Juventus' 2-0 win over Cagliari, Kean responded to the fans' abuse by holding his arms out wide. A quite reasonable response, you'd think? Leonardo Bonucci, though, thought Kean's reaction was unwarranted. The Italian defender said,
Bonucci, after receiving huge backlash, stated on Instagram his "words have been clearly misunderstood" and that he condemns "all forms of racism and discrimination". In no way has his words been misinterpreted - it's clear what he said. There's no other way that it could be interpreted. His clarification is bullshit.
The unbelievable reactions of Juventus didn't stop there, as Massimiliano Allegri claimed Kean "shouldn't have celebrated in that manner". What is going on at Juventus? Kean has every right to do what he likes in regards to the racists. The staggering contrast to Allegri and Gareth Southgate in the aftermath of their players being racially abused is extremely worrying.
The response from other people in football has been nothing short of fantastic in supporting Kean. Yaya Toure said Bonucci's comments were "totally disrespectful". Paul Pogba put on Instagram: "I support every fight against racism, we're all equal". Mario Balotelli said "I condemn racism in any form and place for EVER" and Christian Benteke tweeted what happened was "inexcusable".
Raheem Sterling, growing ever in popularity and as a voice of reason, said "the blame is 50-50" at Leonardo Bonucci, followed by crying laughing emojis, adding "all you can do now is laugh".
To be in Moise Kean's position and have an influential player and your manager somewhat blame you for being racially abused must be devastating. It is never the player's fault; only the idiotic fans. UEFA need to take action, something more serious than fines or behind closed doors matches as it is clearly not working.
The one thing, though, throughout this situation that should not be forgotten is how Kean reacted. For a 19 year old, he reacted by doing what he does best - scoring goals. Football can be Kean's platform to silence the racists.
After scoring the second in Juventus' 2-0 win over Cagliari, Kean responded to the fans' abuse by holding his arms out wide. A quite reasonable response, you'd think? Leonardo Bonucci, though, thought Kean's reaction was unwarranted. The Italian defender said,
"There were racist jeers after the goal. Blaise [Matuidi] heard it and was angered. I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn't have done that."He went on to say "we are professionals" explaining they "have to set an example and not provoke anyone". What a disgrace. How can anyone condemn the actions of someone who has been racially abused. Moise Kean did exactly right thing, the same when Sterling put his hands on hears against Montenegro.
Bonucci, after receiving huge backlash, stated on Instagram his "words have been clearly misunderstood" and that he condemns "all forms of racism and discrimination". In no way has his words been misinterpreted - it's clear what he said. There's no other way that it could be interpreted. His clarification is bullshit.
The unbelievable reactions of Juventus didn't stop there, as Massimiliano Allegri claimed Kean "shouldn't have celebrated in that manner". What is going on at Juventus? Kean has every right to do what he likes in regards to the racists. The staggering contrast to Allegri and Gareth Southgate in the aftermath of their players being racially abused is extremely worrying.
The response from other people in football has been nothing short of fantastic in supporting Kean. Yaya Toure said Bonucci's comments were "totally disrespectful". Paul Pogba put on Instagram: "I support every fight against racism, we're all equal". Mario Balotelli said "I condemn racism in any form and place for EVER" and Christian Benteke tweeted what happened was "inexcusable".
Raheem Sterling, growing ever in popularity and as a voice of reason, said "the blame is 50-50" at Leonardo Bonucci, followed by crying laughing emojis, adding "all you can do now is laugh".
To be in Moise Kean's position and have an influential player and your manager somewhat blame you for being racially abused must be devastating. It is never the player's fault; only the idiotic fans. UEFA need to take action, something more serious than fines or behind closed doors matches as it is clearly not working.
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