Raheem Sterling leads backlash against Leonardo Bonucci
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ByEurosport
Updated 03/04/2019 at 15:31 GMT
Raheem Sterling has led the backlash against Leonardo Bonucci, who said Juventus teammate Moise Kean is ’50-50 to blame’ for the racist abuse he suffered on Tuesday night.
Leonardo Bonucci
Image credit: Getty Images
Kean was subjected to abuse, including monkey chants, during Juve’s 2-0 win at Cagliari on Tuesday, with the 19-year-old celebrating in front of the home fans after netting a late second goal.
“There were racist jeers after the goal, Blaise heard it and was angered,” Bonucci told Sky Italia. “I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn't have done that and the Curva should not have reacted that way.”
“We are professionals, we have to set the example and not provoke anyone.”
Bonucci’s comments have been met with widespread condemnation, with Manchester City winger Sterling calling out the defender on Instagram, saying “All you can do is laugh now”.
Fellow Juventus player Blaise Matuidi also ignored the defender’s assessment in a post on Twitter.
Yaya Toure called out the Italian FA at a conference – asking what their response to the abuse would be – and Paul Pogba said he “supported every fight against racism”.
Bonucci later responded, albeit to further criticism, writing on Instagram: "Regardless of everything, in any case... No to racism".
Meanwhile, European football's anti-discrimination watchdog FARE described racism in football as the "Italian epidemic" and said there had been an alarming rise in incidents.
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