AC Milan, Galliani: "Racism is scandalous, but you must not leave the pitch"

The Constant case and the racist chants on Tuesday evening in Reggio Emilia on the occasion of the TIM Trophy are on everyone's lips at Milanello. There is protest in the air similar to that of Boateng who last January, walked off the pitch in protest to racist chants from a minority of pseudo-fans. AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani wasted no time whatsoever in confirming he had not changed his policy. "We express absolute solidarity with Constant because these episodes are unspeakable," stressed the AC Milan director. "However I have repeated it and written to everyone that we must not abandon the pitch." Galliani is sticking to the regulations. "These chants are ignorant and should be contested, I will send out a press release," his words. This is a scandalous matter, however the rules of football are clear on this issue: when this happens, the referee should be consulted. He should speak to the fourth official who, in turn, should advise the highest ranking police officer present, who is the only person authorised to have the match suspended. But no one can leave the field of play."

inzaghi — Pippo Inzaghi, the new Primavera coach who was officially presented in Milanello was of the same opinion: "Just ignore them, it's the only solution. We give them too much leeway...we are all against racism. If it comes from the whole stadium it's right to stop, otherwise we should just plug our ears and get on with the game" said the former centre forward.

FIGC intervention — Meanwhile the Federcalcio prosecutor has opened an inquiry to ascertain the depth of racism involved in the episode which occurred at the Stadio del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia last night during the match between AC Milan and Sassuolo (for the TIM Trophy), involving AC Milan footballer Kevin Constant. The FIGC announced this by means of a press release. The footballer was the object of chants by some spectators seated in the stands. These insults sparked a reaction among the Rossoneri.

sassuolo — On Wednesday afternoon Sassuolo's official position arrived, too, with a note on their official website: "While awaiting the investigations on the part of the competent authorities who may identify individuals who are personally responsible for these intolerable demonstrations, the club confirms its complete and wholehearted condemnation of any form of racist behaviour, underlining, in every case the extraordinary correctness, both in general and individually, maintained by its fans. These fans who have proved their sporting nature over the years and on the occasion of last night's TIM Trophy, by supporting their team without lowering themselves to joining in vulgar chants or chants against the fans of the other teams who participated in the tournament, these fans will have been aware of and appreciated their hospitality." What it all boils down to: a conviction for racism, bearing in mind that the Neroverdi fans behaved correctly.