AC Milan and AS Roma have condemned Serie A for their use of monkeys in artwork as part of a disastrous anti-racism campaign.
Italian football authorities have come under attack for failing to combat racism and the campaign was introduced less than two weeks after Corriere dello Sport used the headline ‘Black Friday’ alongside pictures of Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling ahead of a match between Inter Milan and Roma.
A statement issued by AC Milan said: “Art can be powerful, but we strongly disagree with the use of monkeys as images in the fight against racism.”
The club added they were “surprised by the total lack of consultation” over the artwork, which was displayed at Serie A headquarters in Milan.
Roma said: “We were very surprised and don’t believe this is the right way to [tackle racism].”
Anti-discriminatory body Fare said it was “speechless” and the campaign looked like a “sick joke”, while Kick It Out added it was “completely inappropriate”.
