Lazio goes unpunished despite racial abuse toward Roma's Rudiger
Italian football's Disciplinary Commission has decided not to fine Lazio or reprimand the club's infamous supporters for racist chants against Roma defender Antonio Rudiger on Wednesday night.
Following a series of racial barbs from the Lazio faithful, the in-house announcer at the Stadio Olimpico made clear the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg would be suspended.
A post-match report from Lega Serie A confirms there were racist chants on three separate occasions, but no disciplinary action was taken against the Biancocelesti. The report said officials couldn't determine the "number or percentage of fans who took part in the chant," and thus didn't have enough evidence to sanction Lazio.
However, it was audible even through television broadcasts:
VIDEO | Otra vez el racismo: Jugador de la Roma sufrió "aullidos de mono" en clásico contra Lazio ►https://t.co/KHRohlVmUL pic.twitter.com/KeOmg1mjgf
— Radio ADN (@adnradiochile) March 2, 2017
It is not the first time Lazio's hardcore supporters have targeted Rudiger or black players. The capital outfit drew a €50,000 fine and a partial stadium ban last year for similar treatment of Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly.
Rudiger was also on the receiving end of racially motivated comments from Senad Lulic, who likened the former Stuttgart defender to a street merchant "selling socks and belts" before his move to Italy.
Currently holding a 2-0 advantage on aggregate, Lazio will contest the second leg against its city rival on April 4.