5 instances of previous racist abuse in European football

Racism reared its ugly head again last night during Manchester City’s away tie against CSKA Moscow. It was the latest in a series of racism related incidents that have rocked European football over the last year or so.

Russia and Italy, in particular, have been hotbeds for racist chants and other jibes thrown the way of players. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest racism related incidents in the recent past:

Kevin-Prince Boateng

In January 2013, during Milan’s friendly game against Pro Patria, Kevin-Prince Boateng was subjected to abuse.

In a courageous stand, which has since won the midfielder plenty of praise from various corners, Boateng simply kicked the ball in the direction of where the abuse had come from before removing his shirt and walking off the pitch.

His team-mates were quick to follow him out and the game was abandoned.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica described Boateng’s stance as “the only just and reasonable act we have seen in decades of barbarised football”.

The Ghanaian was also invited by the United Nations to address delegates on the importance of confronting racism.