Italian Fan Banned for Racist Abuse of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
A Brescia supporter has been banned from stadiums for five years after racially abusing Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro during a Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria on 12 January.
The fan, who was in the stands at Stadio Mario Rigamonti, directed racist insults at Akinsanmiro, calling him a “monkey” after Sampdoria took the lead through Massimo Coda’s goal. Some sections of the home crowd also joined in with monkey chants aimed at the 20-year-old midfielder.
In response, Akinsanmiro mocked his abusers by imitating monkey gestures and sounds.
The incident sparked mixed reactions, but it was other Brescia fans who alerted authorities, leading to an investigation. Italian officials later confirmed that the offender had been given a “Daspo” – a stadium ban preventing attendance at matches for five years, according to Il Giorno.
Akinsanmiro’s Career Progression
Despite the unfortunate incident, Akinsanmiro has been making steady progress in Italy. A product of Nigeria’s Beyond Limits Football Academy, he made headlines in January 2023 when he joined Inter Milan from Remo Stars. He quickly impressed in Inter’s U-19 squad before making his senior debut last season.
The talented midfielder has already won several trophies, including the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Super Cup with Inter Milan. Now on loan at Sampdoria, he has been enjoying regular football in Serie B, making 25 appearances and scoring one goal so far this season.
