Lazio condemns racist chanting in Italian Cup semi win

MILAN (AP) — Lazio has condemned the racist chants which overshadowed the Italian Cup semifinal victory at AC Milan.

There was continued racist abuse directed at Milan players Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie — who are black — before and during the match on Wednesday, while inflatable bananas were also visible in the away section.

The club says in a statement on Thursday: “Lazio clearly distances itself from behavior and displays that do not in any way correspond to the values of sport that this club has promoted and supported for 119 years.”

There were two announcements over the speaker system at San Siro warning the fans to stop or the match would be suspended.

Lazio won 1-0 to progress to the final against Atalanta or Fiorentina. The first leg ended 0-0.

Earlier in the day, around 50 Lazio fans unfurled a banner reading “honor to Benito Mussolini” near Piazzale Loreto, where the fascist dictator was killed at the end of World War II.