Amidst growing concerns over racial discrimination in football, the spotlight has turned to Lazio’s Curva Nord following allegations of racist abuse directed at Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie during a recent Coppa Italia semi-final clash.
Reports from various Italian sources suggest that Lazio’s Curva Nord could be temporarily shut down as a consequence of these allegations. Juventus wasted no time in lodging an official complaint regarding the discriminatory chants aimed at McKennie, prompting the FIGC Prosecutor to launch an investigation into the matter. While formal proceedings are yet to commence, authorities are meticulously collecting evidence, including video footage provided by Juventus, to determine the veracity of the claims.
If the investigation proceeds and Lazio fans are found culpable, it is anticipated that the sports judge may opt to close the Biancocelesti’s Curva Nord at the Stadio Olimpico for a single match. However, any decision is unlikely to be reached before the impending Rome Derby, potentially impacting Lazio’s subsequent home fixture against Salernitana.
Incident Occurrence and Juventus’s Response
The incident occurred late in the Coppa Italia encounter between Juventus and Lazio, around the 89th minute, as McKennie was being substituted off following a solid performance in Max Allegri’s midfield setup.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, Juventus stood in solidarity with McKennie and unequivocally condemned all forms of racism in football. The club acknowledged the circulating video evidence and media reports indicating the presence of discriminatory chants from visiting supporters directed at Weston McKennie during his substitution in the Juventus-Lazio semi-final first leg of the Italian Cup on April 2nd.
