Football
Associated Press 5y

Napoli supporters, players show support for Kalidou Koulibaly after incidents of racist abuse

Napoli fans and players showed their support for defender Kalidou Koulibaly after he was subjected to racist chants this week.

With Koulibaly suspended, Napoli full-back Faouzi Ghoulam warmed up for Saturday's 3-2 victory over visiting Bologna wearing the Senegal international's No. 26 shirt.

Fans held up photos of Koulibaly and anti-racism banners with the hashtag label #SiamotuttiKalidou, which translates as "We are all Kalidou."

"The show of affection for Koulibaly was exceptional," said Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Koulibaly had monkey noises directed at him throughout a match against Inter Milan on Wednesday at the San Siro Stadium.

He was sent off in the 81st minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, the second for sarcastically applauding the referee after being shown the first.

Also, Koulibaly was suspended for two matches -- one for the red card and one for applauding the referee.

After the game, Ancelotti threatened to lead his team off the field the next time one of his players is subjected to continued racist abuse.

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