Kamara explains controversial gesture as Udinese condemn racist abuse
Hassane Kamara has explained his controversial reaction during Udinese’s win over Genoa, as their club condemns racist abuse received by Kamara and Keinan Davis.
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Davis scored during the 2-0 win at Marassi on Friday evening, but it was a fiery and intense Serie A match that became increasingly heated in the final minutes.
With the score at 1-0, Kamara was substituted at the 84th minute, pulling faces at the Genoa fans as he walked off.
This infuriated Genoa striker Lorenzo Colombo, who reacted angrily and was booked.
What sparked Kamara controversy
Kamara explained the situation today with a post on Instagram.
“Quick clarification: if on Friday I left the field sticking my tongue out at the Genoa fans, it was only because I received insults and middle fingers. It was my way, joking and without violence, of responding.
“In 12 years of career, I have never provoked anyone, and I won’t start now. Colombo got angry, that can happen. Thanks to his coach, his teammates, also my own, for calming the situation.
“Football is a sport that brings people together, and it must remain like that.
“P.S. And for some who are using this opportunity to send racist insults via social media, the internet has a long memory, and this will not go unpunished.”
On his Instagram Stories, Kamara put together a compilation of the racist abuse he received in response, not hiding any of the usernames of those responsible.
Davis reposted this message on his Instagram Stories, and it was followed by Udinese releasing a statement of their own.
“Udinese Calcio condemn the disgraceful behaviour against players Keinan Davis and Hassane Kamara, who were subjected to racist insults on their social media profiles.
“Similar shameful incidents are beyond all logic of civilised society, they are unacceptable, and Udinese will always fight to combat them.”
It is bitterly ironic that this occurred during the week of the Lega Serie A’s ‘Keep Racism Out’ media campaign.