The Serie A sporting judge has closed the Curva Nord for Lazio’s upcoming clash with Empoli after Samuel Umtiti was racially abused in the loss to Lecce.
A large section of the away support in Puglia reportedly chanted racist abuse at both Lemeck Banda and Umtiti during the Biancocelesti’s 2-1 loss to Lecce on Wednesday. The match was stopped at the 67th minute by the referee and a warning came that the game would be called off should the abuse continue.
As reported by Rai, the Curva Nord will be closed for Lazio’s game with Empoli on Sunday as a result of the racist abuse, which was heard by all three employees of the Prosecutor’s Office present at the Stadio Via del Mare.
Lazio have distanced themselves from the incident, suggesting that racism has no place within the sport, and have promised to help the authorities identify those responsible. It’s another frustrating and ugly incident for normal Biancocelesti supporters and it’s time for the club to start taking real action.
