In a powerful stand against racism, Fiorentina condemned the online racist abuse directed at Italy’s striker, Moise Kean, after his team’s narrow 2-1 loss at Inter Milan in a Serie A match. The incident has reignited debates about racism in Italian football, which continues to plague the sport despite widespread calls for change.
Overview of the Incident
Moise Kean, who currently plays for Fiorentina in Serie A, was targeted with a barrage of racist insults on social media following his team’s defeat at the San Siro on February 10, 2025. The 24-year-old striker, who had been performing well for his new team, shared disturbing screenshots of the abuse on his Instagram account. Kean, expressing his frustration, posted: “Still happening, in 2025…”
These discriminatory messages came from Inter Milan supporters, marking another chapter in a long history of racial abuse faced by Kean during his career. Fiorentina quickly responded, condemning the abuse and offering their full support to the player. In their statement, they declared that the online offenders had been reported to the relevant authorities, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Fiorentina’s Support for Moise Kean
Fiorentina expressed unwavering support for Kean, with the club issuing a statement on Tuesday. The club’s management expressed outrage over the racism faced by the player and made it clear that they would take necessary actions to address the issue. The club’s statement read:
“The Viola stand with Moise Kean who was the victim of serious racial abuse after the match at Inter in Milan.”
This public display of solidarity comes amid growing scrutiny over how football clubs and governing bodies are responding to racist incidents. Fiorentina’s decision to take immediate action reflects their commitment to standing against racial discrimination both on and off the pitch.
Moise Kean’s Career Progression and Impact at Fiorentina
Kean’s journey in Serie A has been filled with ups and downs, but his recent performances have seen a resurgence in his career. Since transferring from Juventus to Fiorentina for a reported 13 million euros, Kean has delivered on his promise and proved to be a key player for the club.
Despite some early doubts about the move, Kean has scored 15 goals in Serie A this season, making a significant contribution to Fiorentina’s offense. His transfer was seen as a gamble, but his performances have certainly paid off for both the player and the club. His clinical goal-scoring abilities and work ethic have helped elevate Fiorentina to new heights in Italy’s top division.
One of his standout performances came just a few days before the racist abuse incident, when Kean scored twice in a dominant 3-0 victory over Inter Milan in Florence. This match was particularly emotional, as it followed the tragic heart attack suffered by Fiorentina’s player Edoardo Bove during an earlier encounter in December 2024.
Kean’s form this season has helped reestablish him as a crucial figure in the Italian national team, where he has found himself back in the international fold after a difficult spell at Juventus. His tally of 19 goals in all competitions this season has already surpassed his previous career-high, and he currently sits second in the Serie A goal-scoring charts behind his Azzurri teammate, Mateo Retegui of Atalanta.
The Persistence of Racism in Italian Football
The racial abuse faced by Moise Kean is not an isolated incident. The striker has previously been the target of racism, with one of the most infamous instances occurring in 2019 during a match between Juventus and Cagliari. The fans of Cagliari’s hardcore supporter groups have frequently been involved in such discriminatory behavior, making it a recurring issue in Italian football.
Racism in Italian football is unfortunately a widespread problem, with far-right groups among the most vocal offenders. The problem has persisted despite various efforts by football authorities to address it, including anti-racism campaigns and the implementation of stricter stadium regulations.
Fiorentina itself has faced its own issues related to racist fan behavior. In November 2023, the club was punished with a suspended one-match stand closure after their supporters targeted not only Moise Kean but also other Juventus players, including Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie. This shows that racial abuse is not confined to specific clubs or regions, but remains a deeply ingrained issue in the culture of Italian football.
What Measures Are Being Taken?
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Serie A have taken some steps to combat racism in football, including imposing fines on clubs whose fans engage in racist behavior. However, critics argue that these measures are not sufficient to eliminate the problem entirely. While clubs like Fiorentina have shown support for players like Kean, the broader challenge remains in changing the culture of football fans and eradicating discriminatory attitudes.
One of the proposed solutions is to introduce stronger sanctions for clubs whose supporters engage in racist behavior. This could include stadium bans, increased fines, or even points deductions, which would serve as a more severe deterrent for clubs to ensure that their supporters adhere to anti-racism policies.
Furthermore, education campaigns aimed at young fans are critical in shaping the future of football culture. With many football clubs now taking more active stances on social issues, there is hope that these efforts will lead to meaningful change in the long term.
The Role of Social Media in Fueling Racial Abuse
In today’s digital age, social media has become a major platform for racial abuse. It allows offenders to target players anonymously, often with impunity. Moise Kean’s experience is a stark reminder of how racism continues to spread through these online channels, despite efforts by platforms like Instagram and Twitter to crack down on hate speech.
Kean’s decision to share the racist messages he received on Instagram was a brave one, drawing attention to the ongoing issue of online abuse in football. While social media companies have introduced measures to block offensive content, many argue that they still fail to act quickly or decisively enough when dealing with abusive users.
Conclusion: Moving Toward a Racism-Free Football Environment
The recent racial abuse of Moise Kean highlights the ongoing struggle against racism in football. While the support from Fiorentina and the broader football community is encouraging, much more needs to be done to address this pervasive issue. Football authorities, clubs, and social media platforms must work together to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for players and fans alike. Only through collective action and commitment to change can we hope to see a future where incidents like those faced by Kean are no longer a reality in Italian football.
Key Statistics on Moise Kean’s Career
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals in Serie A 2024-25 | 15 |
| Total Goals in 2024-25 (All Competitions) | 19 |
| Transfer Fee to Fiorentina | €13 million |
| Position | Striker |
| Goals in Fiorentina’s 3-0 Win vs. Inter | 2 |
| Serie A Ranking (Top Scorer) | 2nd |
This table highlights some of the key statistics that showcase Moise Kean’s current form and contributions to Fiorentina’s success this season.
Call for Action
It’s essential that football fans, clubs, and governing bodies unite against racism. By continuing to raise awareness, implementing stricter penalties for offenders, and fostering a more inclusive football culture, we can take significant steps toward eliminating racism from the sport. Moise Kean’s experience is just one of many, but it serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure that football remains a game for everyone, regardless of race or background.
