UPDATE: U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie was subjected to horrific racist abuse following Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Parma in their Serie A season opener on August 20, 2023. The incident occurred as McKennie warmed down with teammates on the pitch in Turin, where he was targeted by “discriminatory racist remarks” from individuals in the away section, according to an official statement from the club.
Juventus condemned the abuse, declaring, “We strongly condemn this incident and any form of racism, and will ensure full cooperation with the sporting justice authorities to identify those responsible.” This statement underscores the ongoing battle against racism in football, as the sport continues to grapple with a string of similar incidents across Europe.
This latest episode highlights a disturbing trend in European soccer, where racist behavior has not only persisted but escalated. Earlier this year, Fiorentina faced a suspended partial stadium ban after fans directed racial slurs at McKennie and other Juventus players. Just last week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described recent racist abuses in German Cup games as “unacceptable,” calling for urgent action against such behavior.
The context becomes even more pressing as recent incidents, such as the racial abuse directed at Schalke’s Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, continue to emerge. Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during a match against Liverpool on August 16, 2023, leading to a police arrest for a racially aggravated public order offense.
As the football world reacts to these alarming incidents, the impact on players like McKennie, who joined Juventus in 2020, is profound. Athletes are now calling for stricter measures and accountability to combat racism effectively.
What happens next? Juventus has committed to working with authorities to ensure justice is served, and fans are urged to report any instances of racism. The international community must unite in condemning these actions to foster a safer environment for all players.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the fight against racism in football continues.
