Ghana international Sulley Muntari has been given a one-game ban in Serie A, after complaining over racial abuse during a game last month.
The Pescara midfielder, who has played in the Premier League for Portsmouth and Sunderland, was playing against Cagliari last Sunday, and was booked by the referee after complaining over the abuse he was getting from the stands.
Muntari subsequently walked off the pitch in protest. He was given a second yellow card for doing so, resulting in him getting sent off.
Sulley Muntari walked off the pitch mid-game after racist abuse was continually directed at him in Italy. #BTEFS pic.twitter.com/cNryBy6Q03
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) April 30, 2017
In giving their reasoning for the ban, Serie A revealed that "only ten supporters and therefore less than 1%" of Cagliari's fans in attendance took part in the abuse of Muntari.
FIFPro have confirmed that they want Muntari's ban to be rescinded, and want action taken to ensure incidents like what Muntari went through never happen again.
"We urge Italian authorities to hear Muntari’s version of events, investigate why the situation was mismanaged, and take firm action to ensure this never happens again."
"Muntari was well within his rights to approach referee Daniele Minelli, as the first point of reference, to make his grievances known and seek a solution."
Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has himself suffered racial abuse in Italy, revealed he was "proud" of Muntari's actions.
So proud of my brother!!! #dontlookaway #setexamples pic.twitter.com/AsjTBY0d3u
— Kevin-Prince Boateng (@KPBofficial) May 2, 2017
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