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Serie A

Inter Milan to play behind closed doors following racist chants

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was the target of racist abuses at San Siro.

Update:
FILE PHOTO: Serie A - Inter Milan v Napoli - San Siro, Milan, Italy - December 26, 2018   Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly with Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti after being sent off. REUTERS/Alberto Lingria/File Photo
Alberto LingriaREUTERS

Inter Milan will play two games behind closed doors following the alleged racist abuse on Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, the Italian Football Federation announced on Thursday.

The Italian side will also play a third match without opening the “curva” section of the ground, where the team’s ultras usually sit.

Inter Milan are deciding whether to appeal.

The team’s next three home league games are against Sassuolo on 19 January, Bologna on 3 February and Sampdoria on 17 February.

Racist abuses

The Nerazzurri claimed a 1-0 Serie A win over Carlo Ancelotti's side thanks to a last-gasp goal from Lautaro Martinez.

After the match, Ancelotti said they requested the match be suspended three times due to fans directing offensive chants at Koulibaly.

Ancelotti claimed there were three separate warnings issued in the stadium but that the abuse continued regardless.

On Twitter, Koulibaly, who was sent off in the closing stages, told his followers that he is 'proud' of his heritage and of being part of Napoli's footballing culture.

'I'm sorry for the defeat and above all for having left my brothers!' he wrote.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said he is “upset and scandalized by the insults aimed at Koulibaly” and has urged referees to take rapid, decisive action against racism in the sport.