Inter Milan have been ordered to play their next two Serie A games behind closed doors, and close part of the stadium for one further game following the racial abuse aimed at Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly on Boxing Day.
Serie A announced that no spectators will be admitted to the Nerazzurri’s next two home games against Sassuolo on Jan. 19 and Bologna on Feb. 3 in response to Wednesday’s incidents, which it says were not isolated.
According to Sky, the Florence prefecture has now also decided that visiting fans won’t be allowed to attend Saturday’s game, following a security meeting.
In Italy, away fans must present a fan card to buy tickets, and Empoli have now been directed not to sell to Nerazzurri supporters.
Inter released a statement on Instagram and Twitter on Thursday condemning the racist chants, while adding that discrimination of any kind has no place in the club or from their supporters.
“In response to the events that took place during Inter vs. Napoli on Wednesday evening and the consequent decision reached by the Lega Nazionale’s Sports Court for Serie A, the Club would like to reaffirm that since 9 March 1908, Inter has represented integration, hospitality and progressiveness,” the Beneamata wrote on their official website, with a shorter version on Twitter.
“These characteristics have defined the history of Milan – a city that stands for inclusion and respect.
“Together with our city, we have always been fighting to help create a future free of discrimination. We are committed to promoting these values wherever we operate and they have always been a source of pride for the Club.
“Inter is present in 29 countries across the world, from Cambodia to Colombia, working with thousands of children involved in the Inter Campus project. The aim is to restore the right to play for those who are often in precarious circumstances – the importance of such activities has also been recognised by the United Nations.
“From that night 110 years ago when our founders set us on our journey, we have always said no to any form of discrimination.
“That is why we feel obliged today, once again, to reiterate that anyone who does not understand or accept our history – this Club’s history – is not one of us.”
