Multiple sources in Italy claim Lazio‘s Curva Nord could be shut down for one game following racist abuse aimed at Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie during a Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday.
Juventus reported discriminatory chants against their midfielder McKennie on Thursday and according to Gazzetta and TMW, Lazio’s Curva Nord could be shut down for one match if allegations are confirmed.
According to TMW, the FIGC Prosecutor hasn’t yet started a formal investigation and is collecting all documents, including videos mentioned by Juventus with an official statement yesterday.
If the investigation starts and Lazio fans are found guilty, then the sports judge will likely close the Biancocelesti’s Curva Nord at the Stadio Olimpico for one game.
However, a decision will likely not be made before tomorrow’s Rome Derby, so if Lazio’s Curva is effectively shut down for a game, it will be in next week’s home match against Salernitana.
McKennie racially abused: what happened and the Juventus statement
The incident occurred around the 89th minute of Juventus’ cup clash with Lazio, while McKennie was being substituted off after a solid shift in the centre of Max Allegri’s midfield.
Juventus reported racist abuse directed towards the USMNT international with an official statement on Thursday evening:
“Juventus Football Club takes note of the video circulated on social networks and reported by some media from which it would emerge the intonation of discriminatory chants coming from the visiting sector and directed at Weston McKennie during his substitution in the Juventus-Lazio semi-final first leg of the Italian Cup, played on 2 April.
11 years in Serie B & still uncivilized. Pathetic club, ignorant president, racist supporters.