Nigeria-Italy defender Destiny Udogie has suffered his first racial abuse since making his international debut for the Azzuris of Italy npflupdates.com reports.
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Udogie was born in Nogara, an ancient Italy city to Nigerian parents. And so is eligible to represent both Nigeria and Italy in international football; and despite calls by many Nigerians for the youngster to switch his allegiance to the three-time African champions, he chose his country of birth.
Last weekend he was on duty with the Italian national team, and made his senior debut as second half substitute in a 4-0 win against Malta.
Italy head coach, Luciano Spalleti however handed him a full debut when he started in the game against the Three Lions of England earlier this week.
Fulfilled by achieving his dream and making his birth city proud, Nogara, took to its official page to celebrate the Nigerian. The post, was however criticised by some mischievous fans who racially abused the player.
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Some comments of the racists went as far as telling the 20-year-old that he isn’t a true Italian.
Reacting to the racial abuse, Mayor of Nogara Flavio Pasini according to FootballItalia was outraged and insisted the messages were tracked down to people who are not from his town.
Nogara Mayor defends Destiny Udogie against racists
“I want to be clear: we stand against any comments made against the colour of Destiny’s skin. Udogie is from Nogara and it is unacceptable to read certain things said about a young man who was born and raised in my town, who made his dream come true with his debut in the Azzurri jersey,” he said.
Speaking further Flavio, stressed that those who abused the Tottenham Hotspur defender are not from Nogara.
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“I tried to figure out who had written these things and realised those insulting him are not from Nogara, but rushed to our Facebook page to insult a good guy for no reason. He is one of us and we are very proud of him,” he added.
This is not the first time black players in Italy have been abused because of their colour; it dates as far back as man. Although some measures have been put in place to check the rate at which players are attacked, it keeps in reoccurring from time to time.
