An Italian fan has been handed a five-year stadium ban for racially abusing Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro during a Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria on January 12.
The incident occurred at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, where the supporter hurled racist insults at Akinsanmiro, calling him a “monkey” after Sampdoria scored. Some sections of the crowd joined in with monkey chants aimed at the 20-year-old, prompting Akinsanmiro to respond with mocking gestures.
Thanks to the efforts of other Brescia fans, the authorities were alerted, leading to an investigation and the issuance of a “Daspo”—a five-year stadium ban for the offender, as confirmed by Italian officials.
Despite the setback, Akinsanmiro has been excelling in his career. After making a name for himself at Nigeria’s Beyond Limits Football Academy, he joined Inter Milan in January 2023. Having won multiple trophies with the club, including Serie A and the Coppa Italia, he is now impressing on loan at Sampdoria, making 25 appearances and scoring once in Serie B.
