Sulley Muntari stands up to racists and the world is taking note
Ghanaian football international, Sulley Ali Muntari is standing up to racists, both on the pitch and on social media, and the rest of the world is taking note.
Muntari who plays for Italian team, Pescara was suspended last weekend during a Serie A match against Cagliari. Muntari walked off the pitch when he reported racial abuses by fans to the referee and he did nothing about it. The referee then gave him the yellow card.
The Italian Football Federation, however overturned the suspension last Friday.
Muntari known for standing up to bullies and for his colleagues Tweeted on Saturday morning – “I am determined to fight racism. Football should inspire respect for one race – the human race.
I am determined to fight #racism. Football should inspire respect for one race – the human race.??
— Sulley Muntari (@MuntariOfficial) May 6, 2017
Later in comments to FIFPro, the global representative organization for all professional footballers, Muntari said he is relieved that his ban has been overturned.
“I feel that someone has finally listened and heard me. The last few days have been very hard for me. I have felt angry and isolated,” he said.
“I was being treated like a criminal. How could I be punished when I was the victim of racism? I hope my case can help so that other footballers do not suffer like me,” he said.
Muntari added, “I hope it can be a turning point in Italy and show the world what it means to stand up for your rights.This is an important victory to send a message that there’s no place for racism in football, or society in general.”
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi