Marco Andre Zoro: “Nothing Has Changed In 15 Years In Italy When It Comes To Racism” | OneFootball

Former Salernitana and Messina defender Marco Andre Zoro has shared his views on the ongoing issue of racism in Italian football.

“I am happy with the way Gianni Infantino spoke on such an important occasion and I thank him for it. Perhaps this denunciation will finally see things change because in the last 15 years in Italy nothing has changed. This is because of the State and the Italian football federation who do not do as much as they should to fight against racism,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Zoro then dismissed the idea put across by some fans that the chants are made to put players off and not to be racist.

“The insults to provoke or disturb the opponent are one thing, but racism is another. If you are to attack someone for the colour of their skin, you are racist.”

He then recalled one of his personal experiences with racism which occurred whilst playing for Messina against Inter when he famously picked the ball up, as if to say enough is enough.

“I remember there being so much solidarity from the likes of Inter’s Adriano and others on the pitch. Giacinto Facchetti apologised on behalf of Inter and I was swarmed with messages, phone calls and faxes in the following days but next to all of that, there is just as much bitterness and disappointment as everything has stayed the same in Italy.”