19-year-old striker Moise Kean showed how to deal with racist insults yesterday, with fans and colleagues loving him for it.
The Italian striker celebrated in front of radical Cagliari fans who had insulted him throughout the game by opening his arms in a clearly defiant posture. While some of Cagliari's players shoved him away, team captain Luca Ceppitelli urged fans to stop with their chants, making it quite evident that there was something wrong with their behavior.
Unfortunately for Kean, there are some, like Leonardo Bonucci, who still believe that these kind of gestures are somehow acceptable.
"I think the blame is 50-50. There was a racial boo after Kean celebrated, which also made Matuidi angry. Kean should know that when he scores, all he must think about is to celebrate with the team," Bonucci said.
These words earned Bonucci quite a bit of backlash, including a social media post by Raheem Sterling, who was also racially abused during the FIFA International Break.
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) April 3, 2019
Kean's agent, Mino Raiola, shared his views on the matter during an interview.
"I stand by Kean and Blaise (Matuidi, who also suffered from racial abuse last season at the same venue). Racism is a synonym of ignorance. No one should justify it. I'm proud of my boys and I will stand by them until the very end," Raiola told AFP.
Memphis Depay joined the conversation, offering words of support for the Italian striker.
It's a shame we still talk about racism in 2019! But we have to speak up!
— Memphis (@Memphis) April 3, 2019
We all equal! #NoToRacism pic.twitter.com/ZxUGozw4nX
Patrice Evra also heaped praise on Kean.
This is not acceptable in football or anywhere in the world. Well done to @moisekean for standing up to them and showing them who is boss. The world would be a better place if we all shared more love no matter what. #ILoveThisGame https://t.co/4ZS43n7f6w
— Patrice Evra (@Evra) April 3, 2019
Last, but not least, Mario Balotelli praised Kean's antics via his compatriot's Instagram, while also aiming a dig against Leonardo Bonucci.
"Bravo! As for Bonucci, he's lucky that I was not there. Instead of defending you he does this? I am shocked! Well played bro!"