The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

FIFPro union: Muntari ban overturned by Italy court

Football

By Reuters | May 06, 2017

Sulley Muntari reacts as he leaves the field against Cagliari

Italy's soccer federation has overturned a one-match ban handed to Pescara midfielder Sulley Muntari for walking off during a match after complaining about racist chanting, world players' union FIFPro said on Friday.

The 32-year-old was booked for dissent after complaining to the referee, and left the pitch in protest during stoppage time, leaving his team to play the last few minutes of the Serie A match at Cagliari with 10 men.

"@MuntariOfficial won! His ban has been overturned tonight," the union said in a tweet.

The decision to penalise the Ghanaian midfielder had drawn widespread criticism.

Other players condemned it and British anti-discrimination group Kick It Out called Italy's football authorities "gutless", while U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein described Muntari as an inspiration.

Keep Reading

Italy and some other countries have struggled to stamp out racist chants at games. Lazio and Inter Milan were found guilty of racist behaviour by their fans during other games and warned they would face partial stadium closures if it continued.

Muntari said he had complained that parts of the crowd, including children, had hurled racist insults at him from the start of the match.

After the incident, FIFPro urged Italian authorities to "take firm action to ensure this never happens again".