Following reports of racist abuse directed at Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie during a recent Coppa Italia semi-final clash, there’s growing reports that Lazio’s Curva Nord could face temporary closure for one match.
Juventus lodged a complaint regarding discriminatory chants against McKennie after their encounter with Lazio on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia. According to various sources including Gazzetta dello Sport and TMW, authorities are expected to shut down Lazio’s Curva Nord for one game pending confirmation of the allegations.
Juventus released an official statement on Thursday condemning the incident, and while FIGC Prosecutor has yet to initiate a formal investigation, they are actively gathering evidence, including videos provided by the Bianconeri.
Should the investigation proceed and Lazio supporters be found culpable, it’s likely that the sports judge will impose a one-game closure of the Biancocelesti’s Curva Nord at the Stadio Olimpico.
McKennie was substituted in the 89th minute of the Bianconeri’s 2-0 win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia and racist abuse could be heard in videos that have been circulated on social media.
In response to the allegations, Juventus issued 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.”
