Boateng subjected to racist abuse before Juventus game

Posted Monday, April 22, 2013 by Goal.com

AC Milan's 26-year-old Ghanaian was targeted during the warm-up, while Bianconeri fans also displayed offensive flags about fellow forward Mario Balotelli during the match

AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was subjected to racist abuse before Sunday's Serie A clash with Juventus in Turin.

The Ghanaian was targeted by certain sections of the home support during the warm-up and responded to the insults by putting his finger over his mouth.

However, it was not until the stadium announcer intervened, calling for those aiming slurs at Boateng to desist, that order was finally restored.

Juventus supporters also displayed a banner during the game which read: "No to racism; yes to jumping", which was a reference to a previous slogan about another Milan player, Mario Balotelli: "If you jump, Balotelli dies".

Both Balotelli and Boateng have been the victims of racist abuse in the past, with the latter having left the field after being singled out by Pro Patria fans during a friendly game in January.

The 26-year-old's stand drew praise from leading figures throughout the sporting world and eventually led to him being asked by both Fifa and the United Nations to participate their respective campaigns against racism.