(MENAFN) In another distressing incident of racism in Italian football, Torino coach Ivan Juric became the latest victim of racial abuse during his team's 4-0 victory over Spezia on Saturday. The match, which saw Torino dominate their opponents, was marred by the ugly incident of Juric being targeted by opposing fans with racist slurs. Juric, a former Croatia midfielder, revealed that he was called a derogatory term for "gypsy" towards the end of the first half.
The use of the Italian word for "gypsy" as a racial slur is unfortunately common in football, with sections of supporters using it to target players from the Balkans and eastern Europe, irrespective of their actual ethnicity. The incident comes just a month after Roma fans directed similar insults at Dejan Stankovic, further highlighting the persisting issue of racism within Italian football.
Referee Marco Guida intervened during the match, briefly stopping the game due to the severity of the abuse. Juric expressed his disappointment and discomfort with the situation, emphasizing that such insults have a detrimental impact on both the target and the overall atmosphere of the game. He commended the referee for his handling of the situation but stressed that the experience was deeply unpleasant and not acceptable.
Juric, while initially attempting to ignore the abuse, acknowledged the difficulty of remaining composed when faced with persistent and offensive slurs. He emphasized the need for understanding and support when individuals respond to such provocations, as they often feel deeply offended by the targeted racial remarks.
Despite the overshadowing incident, the match itself saw Torino deliver a commanding performance, inflicting a 4-0 defeat on Spezia. Przemyslaw Wisniewski's own goal in the first half, along with impressive goals from Samuele Ricci, Ivan Ilic, and Yann Karamoh in the final 20 minutes, secured the victory for Torino. However, the defeat dealt a blow to Spezia's bid for survival, as they now find themselves precariously close to the relegation zone.
The incident involving Ivan Juric serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of racism in Italian football. It highlights the urgent need for continued efforts to combat discrimination, raise awareness, and create a more inclusive and respectful environment within the sport. Addressing incidents of racism and ensuring appropriate sanctions against offenders is crucial in fostering an atmosphere of equality and respect for all individuals involved in the beautiful game.
MENAFN28052023000045014228ID1106331692
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.