(Kevin Boateng walking off the pitch in Thursday's friendly game)
Last Thursday, Ghanaian player Kevin-Prince Boateng and his AC Milan teammates including Sulley Muntari (also Ghanaian) received massive backing for their stance on racism issues.
An exhibition game at fourth-tier side Pro Patria was halted in the first half when the Milan's midfielder Boateng kicked the ball at the stand in protest and walked off the pitch, soon followed by his team-mates.
The player himslef said he was sad and angry and that he was forced to take action for abuse on him and his fellow black teammates, adding that “ Racism infests our stadium.”
With the Italian Football Association launching an immediate inquiry into Thursday's unfortunate incident, support continues to come in for Boateng, Muntari and the rest of their black colleagues.
Piara Powar, executive director of European anti-discrimination group FARE, demanded strong action from the Italian governing body.
He said: "We salute Kevin-Prince Boateng for his actions and his teammates for their support. This is the not the first time a player has walked off in Italy – if the situation continues it may not be the last.
"Italy, as much as any country in Europe, has a serious problem of racism to deal with. Football infrastructure is in need of renewal and at serious odds with the changing nature of Italian society. We look forward to a strong action by the FIGC (Italian FA)."
A number of players also showed their support for Boateng on Twitter.
Patrick Vieira, who played for Inter Milan, tweeted: "AC Milan is an example to all. It's a strong and bold statement to make by the club and players."
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "If the stories about KPB walking off the pitch with teammate's after being racially abused are true, fair play to him..well done#UefaStandUp"
While Manchester City's Vincent Kompany said: "I can only salute Milan's decision to leave the pitch. Also noted that the majority of the fans were completely supportive of the players."
