Pogba responds to insults suffered during Super Cup.
Lazio will play against Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday with their main stand empty after supporters were banned following racist insults against Juventus players.
The multiple incidents took place during the 4-0 defeat to the Bianconeri in the Italian Super Cup on Sunday night in Rome.
Paul Pogba, Angelo Ogbonna and Kwadwo Asamoah were all targeted by the “home” supporters during the game, and as a result the punishment has been put into immediate effect.
Pogba was quizzed on the chants by the media on Monday, and revealed that he could do little else but to focus on the game and help his side win the match.
“We heard them but what could I do? I was against 30,000 fans. They do so even if they have black players in their team: it is also a lack of respect towards their players,” he told AFP as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“it’s an unfortunate situation but I play, I remain focused on the goal,” he added.
The French youngster starred for the reigning Serie A champions after being brought on as a substitute following an injury suffered by Claudio Marchisio.
Racism continues to be an issue in Italy, with AC Milan defender Kevin Constant walking off the pitch during a pre-season friendly last month.
The FIGC are keen to hand out punishments swiftly and effectively having made it clear that they will not tolerate such behaviour, and Vladimir Petkovic’s side will now begin the new season with a huge proportion of their fans missing from the stadium on Sunday night.
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