Roma apologise for 'racist boos' directed at Sampdoria's Vieira

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The England youth international was subject to constant abuse throughout the game in Claudio Ranieri's first match as Samp coach

Roma have issued an apology to Sampdoria's Ronaldo Vieira after the midfielder suffered racist abuse in Sunday's Serie A meeting.

Former Leeds United youngster Vieira, who played the entire match, was abused by a section of the travelling Roma support during the 0-0 draw at Stadio Luigi Ferraris Ã¢Â€Â“ Claudio Ranieri's first game at the Sampdoria helm.

"I heard it, but I don't want to talk about it. This happens too often, it shouldn't be this way," England youth international Vieira told Rai Sport after the match.

Roma were quick to respond, taking to Twitter to apologise to the 21-year-old and vowing to ban any supporters found guilty of racist abuse.

"Roma would like to apologise to Ronaldo Vieira for the racist boos he was subjected to," the post read.

"Roma does not tolerate racism of any kind and the club will support the authorities in identifying and subsequently banning any individuals found guilty of racially abusing the midfielder."

Sampdoria responded byÃ‚Â tweeting: "We are united in saying no to racism."

The abuse aimed at Vieira is the latestÃ‚Â of several high-profile incidents of racist abuse in Italy this season.

Inter forward Romelu Lukaku was the victim of alleged racist abuse in a game at Cagliari last month, with the Belgian forward subjected to monkey chants as he stepped up to take a penalty.

Cagliari had previously been at the centre of racist incidents involving Pescara's Sulley Muntari, Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi and former Juve forward Moise Kean. Though, on this occasion,Ã‚Â they received no punishment, as the chants could not be proven to be discriminatory.

Later in September a match between Atalanta and Fiorentina was halted by the referee after racist abuse was directed at LaÃ‚Â Viola defender Dalbert. Atalanta were fined Ã¢Â‚Â¬10,000 (Ã‚Â£8,956/$10,955.85) for the incident.

Instances of racism have not been restricted to Italy, with EnglandÃ¢Â€Â™s Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria last weekÃ‚Â halted twice due to racist chanting from the stands.

On Saturday, an FA Cup qualifier between Yeovil and Haringey Borough was abandoned after Haringey players received abuse from the stands, prompting both sets of players to walk off the pitch in protest.

2019-10-20 23:00:03

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