Boateng praised for walk off

Anti-racism campaigners have praised AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng after he walked off the field in protest at racist abuse during a friendly — followed by his team-mates.

Milan’s match against fourth-tier side Pro Patria was abandoned when Boateng, in possession on the left wing in the 26th minute, suddenly picked the ball up and kicked it towards the stand behind him.

The Ghana midfielder then tore off his shirt and walked off the pitch, followed by the rest of the Milan side.

Italian Football Association president Giancarlo Abete branded the incident “unspeakable and intolerable” and an offence to Italian football and announced an immediate inquiry.

Piara Powar, executive director of European anti-discrimination group FARE, demanded strong action from the Italian FA.

He said: “We salute Kevin-Prince Boateng for his actions and his team-mates for their support. This is the not the first time a player has walked off in Italy – if the situation continues it may not be the last.’’

Boateng said on Twitter after the game: “Shame these things still happen... £StopRacismforever.”

Abete said: “No sanction or measure can erase the disdain for an unspeakable and intolerable episode.

“We must react with force and without silence to isolate the few criminals that transformed a friendly match into an uproar that offends all of Italian football.”