FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for racism to be eradicated from football

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  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for racism to be eradicated from football “once and for all” after yet another Serie A match was marred by discrimination.

    Atalanta have condemned the fans who racially abused Fiorentina’s Brazilian left-back Dalbert during Sunday’s 2-2 draw.

    The match was briefly halted by the referee during the first half after Dalbert reported hearing racist chants from the stands.

    And, speaking at the Best FIFA awards in Milan on Monday night, Infantino called the situation in Italy intolerable.

    “In Italy we witnessed another incident of racism. This is not acceptable any more,” he said.

    “We have to say no to racists, in whatever form. Not racists in football, not racists in society.

    “We don’t have just to say it – we have to fight against it. We have to kick racism out, once and for all. In Italy and the rest of the world… out of football and of society.”

    Atalanta earlier said in a statement that they “disassociate themselves from any form of discrimination that may have occurred” during their game with Fiorentina.

    The statement added: “Atalanta, along with their supporters and fans, are and will always be a mouthpiece for the values of solidarity and equality.

    “The stupidity of a few must be fought together and we believe that it has neither colours nor jerseys. It needs to be isolated.”

    However, the league said that further investigation into the incident was needed before a decision could be made on possible punishment for Atalanta.

    The Serie A disciplinary report from the weekend said Dalbert would have to give his version of events before a decision was made.

    Earlier this month, Atalanta’s Serie A rivals Cagliari avoided punishment after supporters allegedly aimed racist abuse at Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, a decision that was fiercely criticised by anti-discrimination groups.

    Copy provided by Press Association Sport

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