LECCE, ITALY - JANUARY 04: Samuel Umtiti of Lecce celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 04, 2023 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Lazio Fans Allegedly Chant Racist Abuse at Lecce’s Umtiti

LECCE, ITALY - JANUARY 04: Samuel Umtiti of Lecce celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 04, 2023 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Lecce defender Samuel Umtiti was reportedly the target of racist abuse from a section of the Lazio supporters during yesterday’s clash.

The Biancocelesti suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Stadio Via del Mare in Puglia, going ahead thanks to Ciro Immobile in the first half but allowing Gabriel Strefezza and Lorenzo Colombo to secure all three points for the home side. It was a poor start to 2023 for Lazio, who’ll need to dig deep ahead of their next game against Empoli.

As reported by DAZN (via TMW), a group of Lazio fans chanted racist abuse at Umtiti and his Lecce teammate Lameck Banda during the clash at the Stadio Via del Mare, forcing the stadium’s announcer to warn that the game could be suspended.

The incident has drawn condemnation from across the footballing world, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the French national team both publicly sharing their support for the duo.

Maurizio Sarri was asked about the incident in his post-match press conference but claimed that he couldn’t hear anything from the dugout.

Tags Biancocelesti Italy Lazio lazio vs lecce Lecce lecce vs lazio Rome Samuel Umtiti Serie A Umtiti