Social Media Reacts to Racist Abuse of 19-year-old Juventus Player, Kean
That the social media has become a veritable platform where trending global affairs are discussed and debated is no more news.
What’s news is that the world rose up to condenm racist abuse and monkey chants rained on 19-year-old Juventus player Moise Kean by a section of home fans of Cagliari when the two teams faced each other on Tuesday.
Born in Italy to Ivorian parents, Kean, who also plays for the Italian national football team had the last laugh in their 2-0 victory after he scored late in the game and celebrated in front of the home fans with his arms stretched as response to the abuse he was receiving from them.
His goal celebration, however, did not go down well with his coach, Massimiliano Allegri and teammate, Leonardo Bonucci, who suggested he was part to blame for the incident.
Moise Kean and Blaise Matuidi both Juventus players were racially abused in a Serie A match by Cagliari fans.
Watching this clip you may think it’s 1969 but it is actually 2019, April 2nd to be precise.
This is really sad because the Cagliari have a history with racism.
— Andrew Andie Torgbenda (@andrewtorgbenda) April 3, 2019
“He shouldn’t have celebrated in that manner,” Allegri said, according to Sky Sports. “You need great intelligence to deal with these situations and should not go to provoke people. That, of course, does not mean the idiots in the crowd and the way they reacted should be justified.”
Post on Instagram;
The best way to respond to racism ? #notoracism ?
A post shared by K M B 9 ? (@moise_kean) on Apr 2, 2019 at 3:19pm PD
Bonucci, in a post-match interview, said: “There were racist jeers after the goal, Blaise [Matuidi] heard it and was angered. I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn’t have celebrated like that, and the Curva (stand) should not have reacted that way.”
“We are professionals, we have to set the example and not provoke anyone.”
Bonucci and Allegri’s attempt at apportioning part of the blame on Kean for his response to the incident was met with heavy criticism from some footballers as well as a section of social media users.
“For me it’s a disgrace. You can’t do that,” said Ivorian footballer Yaya Toure, who was at UEFA’s Equal Game conference of Wednesday.
“It was unbelievable. A team-mate, a manager saying: ‘You shouldn’t have done that’ to one of your own players.
“I think it’s the worst scenario you can have in football. Your team-mate attacking you, saying things like that, is just unbelievable. I can’t imagine how hurt he was when he saw that.”
“If he was my teammate, he would feel me today.”
Yaya Toure hits out at Leonardo Bonucci for his criticism of Moise Kean.
Fellow Italian footballer, Mario Balotelli, whose parents are Ghanaians and has been victim to such incidents on the field also called out Bonucci in a comment on Kean’s Instagram post.
“Bravo! And to Bonucci, he’s lucky I wasn’t there. Instead of defending you, he does this? I am shocked,” he wrote.
Following the backlash, Bonucci shared an Instagram post trying to clarify and backtrack on what he said.
“After 24 hours I want to clarify my feelings. Yesterday I was interviewed right at the end of the game, and my words have been clearly misunderstood, probably because I was too hasty in the way I expressed my thoughts,” he wrote.
“Hours and years wouldn’t be enough to talk about this topic. I firmly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. The abuses are not acceptable at all and this must not be misunderstood.”
More reactions below:
England and Manchester City player Raheem Sterling’s response to Bonucci
I support every fight against racism, we’re all equal. Bravi italiani svegliatevi, non potete lasciare un piccolo gruppo razzista parlare per voi. @moise_kean @blaisematuidiofficiel #equalgame #respect ・・・ BIANCO + NERI ⚪️⚫️???? #NoToRacism
A post shared by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba)
BIANCO + NERI ⚪️⚫️???? #NoToRacism
A post shared by Blaise Matuidi Officiel (@blaisematuidiofficiel)
? pic.twitter.com/eohgsySvnM
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow)
This is not acceptable in football or anywhere in the world. Well done to @moisekean for standing up to them and showing them who is boss. The world would be a better place if we all shared more love no matter what. #ILoveThisGame ?
— Patrice Evra (@Evra)
Lilian #Thuram on #Bonucci’s comments, ‘It is like when women are raped and people notice the way she is dressed’
— CalcioMercato (En) (@CmdotCom_En)
Fair to say that Bonucci is not the most liked person in the world right now ?
— Juan Velazquez (@JuanDirection58)
Bonucci can go do one! Nobody is interested in your backtracking. We know who and what you really are!!
