Verona insist they remain committed to tackling racism, despite standing by their tweet that fans did not abuse Milan’s Franck Kessie last night.
Verona’s decision to distance themselves from the allegations and not make any reference to their contempt for racism was roundly criticised by Twitter users.
Verona insist they remain committed to tackling racism, despite standing by their tweet that fans did not abuse Milan’s Franck Kessie last night.
Verona’s decision to distance themselves from the allegations and not make any reference to their contempt for racism was roundly criticised by Twitter users.
The reaction prompted Hellas to release a statement on their official website, which reiterated the whistles were aimed at the referee but stressed their ‘firm’ commitment to fighting discrimination.
It read: “Hellas Verona FC, in reference to what was put out today by the club’s Twitter account, specify that it was not at all a final position to play down any discriminatory behaviour, which has taken place on various playing fields.
“That’s because we’ve always firmly stigmatised and condemned these incidents, committing ourselves directly to various initiatives so as to confront them and fight them as much as possible and within our competence.
“That said, we believe it was simply our duty to emphasise that, in the face of some baseless news, except for the sound of whistles and general disappointment from our fans regarding some debatable incidents during the game, we weren’t warned of any chants against Kessie, neither did we hear any.
“Nevertheless, we reiterate once more that we’ll always be firm in condemning any misconduct which should occur in the future, with a collaborative spirit and sensitivity.”