RACIST CHANTING from home fans of Inter Milan cast a shadow over Tottenham’s progression into the quarter-finals of the Europa League after they beat the Italian on the away goals rule having a 4-4 aggregate score, despite losing 4-1 on the night.
An Inter fan was seen waving an inflatable banana inside the stadium’s home support section, and players were aware of racially abusive chants – Emmanuel Adebayor was a likely target as the Togolese international scored the decisive away goal that clinched the tie.
Speaking after the match, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas said he and his players heard the abuse. “Uefa is set out to act on this situation,” the Portuguese coach said.
“It is very sensitive situation. It was very easy to hear the chanting. It is a difficult situation for Inter Milan.
“It is something that has happened before. It doesn't mar the game but it is something that should be avoided.”
It is not the first time Inter fans nor the inflatable banana have generated headlines of racist abuse. Mario Balotelli was the victim of such chants in the Milan derby last month.
Spurs have also experienced similar scenes against Italian clubs – the north London side’s players faced racist abuse from Lazio fans during both home and away group games in this season’s tournament last September and November.
Lazio were fined by Uefa for both incidents.
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