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AC Milan’s Boateng walks-off the field after racist chanting

AC Milan's Boateng walks-off the field after racist chanting

Kevin-Prince Boateng took a strong stand over racism after being subject to racist abuse during a friendly match of his club AC Milan against Aurora Pro Patria 1919 on Thursday.

AC Milan took on the 4th Division side in an away match at Busto Arsizio when the dark-skinned players Kevin-Prince Boateng, M’Baye Niang, Urby Emanuelson and Sulley Muntari faced racist chants and abuse from a particular section of the Pro Patria fans.

An upset Boateng picked up the ball 26 minutes into the game, kicked it into the stands, ripped off his shirt and walked-off the pitch followed by his teammates and Pro Patria players. The game was suspended as both teams were not in a mood to continue the match after the shameful incident.

“Shame that these things still happen… #StopRacismforever,” the 25 year old Ghanaian international tweeted via his Twitter account after the match.

“It is disappointing for everybody who was at the stadium, but it was necessary to give a strong signal,” Milan skipper Massimo Ambrosini told at a press conference. “Milan will attempt to return to Busto Arsizio, especially for the children and those who had nothing to do with racism. However, it was important to send out a clear signal.”

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri also stated his disappointment after his players faced the racial abuse from the stands. “These racist episodes have to end. Walking off was the correct decision to make after the racist chants. We are sorry these events have happened, more so for the other supporters –  the families and children who had come here to spend a pleasant afternoon. We have promised Pro Patria that we will come back for these people here.”

“We are also sorry for the Pro Patria players and the club but we had to give a strong signal against these episodes. I hope it helps set an example from the top leagues down. We had no other option but to walk off, which I hope will have repercussions. I sincerely hope these uncivilized acts do not occur again,” the coach stated.