#figc

Ho voglia di vederla in campo contro la Spagna, poi se segna pure top

Ig: ac milan women

(Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport's headline is 'Black Friday', as Romelu Lukaku will play against Chris Smalling this Friday in Serie A.)

So,

I know this horse has already been beaten to the ground and frankly, I’m just really tired of constantly having to talk about this over and over again when it comes to football and specifically Italian football. Lots of people keep stating that Italy is racist and we shouldn’t be surprised by this recent incident while others argue that you shouldn’t generalize a whole nation with the action of a few.

I don’t think either is correct. It’s true that racism seems more rampant in Italian football but that doesn’t necessarily make Italy itself anymore racist than anywhere else.

What I do find appalling is the excuses. Every time something racist is said or done, the Italian football federation don’t take action against it and when they are cornered, they make excuses and that, that’s what makes them different from anywhere else. No matter how pathetic of a punishment the English football federation give, at least they are showing the people that such actions are unacceptable but I have yet to see Italian football take a strong stance like that consistently.

As for the Lukaku and Chris incident... it’s sad to say I’m not surprised. Disgusted, yes. Shocked, no. And just because the article wasn’t racist that doesn’t mean the headline was not. It doesn’t mean that it wasn’t highly inappropriate and out of place. Racism is not funny. Get with the times already. And for those who think they can speak on behalf of black people to say that we shouldn’t find it offensive, well, fuck off. It’s people like you that are the reason why things like this are still going on.

For my club, I want to say I’m proud. Yes, shit hits the fan constantly but I applaud them for always taking a firm stance against racism on behalf of our own players, as well as those that don’t play for us. Roma has always been outspoken about these issues and I hope Chris takes comfort in that. I don’t want him to ever feel alone in facing disgusting racist people like that without thinking he has the support of those that employ him. 

Last but not least. 

Things need to change. I don’t know what can be done that will result in effective reduction of racism and racist behaviour but this incident is one, in one too many and not only does that paint Italy in a very negative light but also shows how willing they are to turn a blind eye to those horrid behaviors. Lukaku doesn’t deserve this. Chris smalling doesn’t deserve this. Moise Keane didn’t deserve it and neither did Koulibaly etc etc. I could go on and on really, but then we would be here all day, and isn’t that fucking sad.

I’ve been washing Italian football since I was a kid (Totti hello), and I still remember vividly the disgusting and hateful attitude hurled at Mario Balotelli constantly and how unwelcomed in his own country fans and haters alike made him feel. 

It’s been years since then and yet, it’s horrifying how nothing much has changed. Italian football needs to do better. Needs to take actions and need to show that behaviours like that are unacceptable. But hey, I still wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you because this song and dance is all too familiar.