Juventus and Inter Milan Back Ebenezer Akinsanmiro After Racist Abuse
1 min read
Atobatele Ayomide
Serie A powerhouses Juventus and Inter Milan have come out in full support of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro after the young striker suffered racist abuse during Sampdoria’s Serie B encounter against Brescia. Both teams weighed in on the issue on Twitter as they reassured their fans that the fight against discrimination remains well alive.
On loan from Inter Milan to Sampdoria, the 20-year-old Nigerian midfielder has been a regular feature for the Ligurian side this season. His standout performances made him the target of racist “monkey” chants by Brescia fans during the match. Akinsanmiro responded with ironic gestures moments after Sampdoria’s Massimo Coda had scored and as abuse seemed to worsen.
Sampdoria manager Leonardo Semplici substituted Akinsanmiro shortly after to diffuse tensions, but his actions drew criticism from Brescia’s coach, Pierpaolo Bisoli, who accused him of “inciting violence.”
Despite the controversy, Akinsanmiro has received widespread backing. Inter Milan declared, “We’re all brothers of the world,” while Juventus added, “Never again. Juventus against racism.”
His agent, Crescenzo Cecere, has come out in his support and described Akinsanmiro’s response as “provocative but dignified.” Cecere remembered the need to eradicate racism, underlining that on the field, the player was targeted because he was going great.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
