WATCH: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Subjected to Racist Abuse, Responds with Controversial Gesture in Serie B Clash

Inter Milan loanee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro found himself at the center of controversy during the Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria, following an incident of racial abuse from Brescia fans. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, saw tensions rise after a series of racist chants were directed at the Nigerian midfielder.

In a heated moment during the 33rd minute, after Massimo Coda scored for Sampdoria, Akinsanmiro reacted to the abuse by mimicking a monkey gesture towards the stands. His response, while understandable given the provocation, escalated tensions further in the already charged atmosphere at the Mario Rigamonti Stadium.

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Referee Davide Massa promptly issued a yellow card to Akinsanmiro for his reaction. Sampdoria’s coach, Leonardo Semplici, decided to substitute him shortly afterward in the 41st minute, replacing him with Ronaldo Vieira to calm the situation.

Post-match, Brescia’s coach Pierpaolo Bisoli criticized Akinsanmiro’s actions, stating, “You cannot provoke the crowd like that. I hadn’t heard anything before, but in any case, you must respect people.”

Despite the controversy, Sampdoria stood firmly behind their player, expressing solidarity with Akinsanmiro amidst the difficult circumstances.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football, with calls for stronger measures to protect players from such abuse continuing to echo across the sport.