LECCE centre-back Samuel Umtiti was reduced to tears by alleged racial abuse from Lazio fans on Wednesday night.
The 30-year-old French defender was targeted with the disgusting chants from the travelling Lazio supporters.
Lecce forward Lameck Banda was also allegedly the victim of the horrific abuse.
At one point, the referee was forced to stop the match as the stadium announcer called for the Lazio fans to stop.
This led to the Lecce contingent chanting Umtiti’s name, before he reportedly asked for the game to resume.
Umtiti left the pitch in tears at full-time after Lecce had come from behind to secure a 2-1 win.
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Following the game, Lecce president Sticchi Damiani embraced Umtiti.
He then told the media: “I hugged Samuel, as I do with all his teammates.
“After each match, regardless of the result, I want to greet the boys and the staff.
“When the referee stopped the game, waiting for the announcer to call for an end to the racist chants, Umtiti asked for the game to resume because he wanted to respond to the insults he received on the pitch.
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“He reacted like a true champion.”
And Lecce’s official Twitter account also posted a message in support of Umtiti.
It read: “Racist chants have been overwhelmed by songs of encouragement!
“All the yellow and red Lecce fans started shouting one name: Umtiti.”
Umtiti is currently on loan at Lecce after joining the Italian side from Barcelona at the start of the season.
The Serie A outfit currently sit 12th in the table, with Lazio in fifth.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
