An entire soccer team walked off the field in Italy after several members endured racist jeers and monkey chants from fans of the opposing team.
AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who is black, took off his shirt and exited the field during the abuse, and the rest of his team followed. Earlier in the match, fans had also heckled Sulley Muntari, who is from Ghana, with racial slurs.
In contrast to previous policy by most soccer clubs, AC Milan's club director supported the team's decision.
"Very proud of the Milan players who decided to walk off the pitch today for racist abuse from a few idiots! No racism, no stupidity!" tweeted Umberto Gandini.
Typically, players who leave the field are supposed to be penalized, even if fans are being racist or violent, though referees often make exceptions.
"The players of Milan sent a clear message: If racism does not stop, then football will," wrote FIFPro spokesman Tony Higgins in a statement online.
"This would require referees to be educated and more informed about racism and how to deal with it on the field of play, but it is one step FIFPro feels must be taken if we are to confront this issue seriously," he wrote.
AC Milan's opponents, Pro Patria, said they tried to stop the unruly fans but were unfortunately unsuccessful.
"When we tried to reason with them and went under the stands, they didn't even consider it," said Pro Patria defender Devis Nossa. "They certainly weren't our usual fans."
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