Posted by Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi suffered racial abuse while in post for St. Gallen in a Swiss league fixture against FC Lugano over the weekend.
Ati-Zigi, who has been in fine form this season for St. Gallen was handed a starting role, but his side unfortunately lost the game 1-0, goal courtesy Numa Lavanchy.
The game lived up to expectation, but the beauty of it was marred by a disgusting racial act from the fans of the home side, Lugano.
According to footages, the Black Stars shot-stopper was hooted at and suffered racist chants from the Lugano fans
Lugano after the game immediately released a press statement to apologize for the repugnant act.
“During this evening’s game, some spectators inadequately addressed the St. Gallen goalkeeper. We apologize to FC St. Gallen and the player. Racism does not have to exist. The club will do its utmost to identify those responsible”, the statement read.
In a quick turn of events, Lugano have released a another press statement to retract their apology, apologize to their fans and deny such a thing happened.
“An in-depth analysis of the television images and a collection of information through the workers could show that, as far as we know, there was no episode of racism in Cornaredo last night during the match against St. Gallen.
“Some videos circulated immediately after the game suggested howls towards the goalkeeper of the biancoverdi Zigi, hence the immediate apology of our company. In fact, it was found that it was a chorus of encouragement to the goalkeeper himself by a dozen St. Gallen fans who, despite the ban, managed to get tickets for the match online.
“The Bianconeri fans present in the Monte Brè grandstand then resumed the same chorus “zigi-zigi-zigi-zigi” as a simple mockery towards St. Gallen.
“FC Lugano (who fortunately has never watched episodes of racism in the recent past) still takes the opportunity to point out that there is no place for racism in everyday life and not even in the stadium.
“The club is now deeply sorry for its fans who have felt unfairly pointed out. The apology in this case is equally due. The company also thanks its fans for the behavior they are holding at the stadium in recent weeks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Further precautions will be taken immediately to prevent fans of the away team from purchasing tickets online,” the statement ended.