Remo Stars Academy product and Inter Milan loanee at Sampdoria, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, has received support from his Serie B club after enduring racial abuse from Brescia fans during their matchday 21 fixture at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti on Sunday.
Reports from Italy indicate that the 20-year-old midfielder was targeted by home fans with racist chants, prompting a temporary halt to the match. The referee later cautioned Akinsanmiro for reacting to the abuse.
Italian news outlet Tendenze Di Viaggio detailed the incident, stating that Akinsanmiro reported the abuse to referee Davide Massa just 20 minutes into the game.
“Akinsanmiro turned to referee Massa to report hearing racist howls from the Curva Nord of Brescia,” the outlet wrote. “The situation necessitated immediate intervention, with Massa temporarily halting the match and instructing the stadium announcer to warn the crowd that further discriminatory behavior could lead to the game’s suspension.”
Tension escalated when Akinsanmiro reacted to the abuse after Sampdoria’s Italian forward, Massimo Coda scored the opening goal. His celebratory dance near the Brescia fans drew mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a justified response to the insults and others as provocative.
Shortly afterward, Sampdoria coach, Leonardo Semplici substituted Akinsanmiro, aiming to diffuse the situation and shield the young player. As he left the pitch, Akinsanmiro was met with a blend of boos and applause, highlighting the charged atmosphere of the match.
In response to the incident, Sampdoria shared a photo of Akinsanmiro on social media with the message, “With you. #KeepRacismOut.”
The Serie B authorities have yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Akinsanmiro, who rose to prominence at Beyond Limits Football Academy—the youth team of Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars—joined Inter Milan on deadline day in January 2023. After starring for Inter’s U-19 side and making one Serie A appearance last season, he was loaned to Sampdoria for more playing time. This season, he has made 21 appearances for the Serie B side, scoring one goal.
Sampdoria’s show of solidarity underscores the growing calls to tackle racism in football, emphasizing the need for stronger actions to protect players and uphold the integrity of the game.
