FIFA chief calls on 'good fans' to 'shut up the racists' after Umtiti abuse

The pair were in action against Lazio on Wednesday night where they helped Leece win 2-1 in Serie A, but their victory has been marred by vile abuse the duo received.

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The match was even called to a halt after an announcement was made in the Stadio Via del Mare calling for racist chants to stop from the visiting fans.

After the clash, Umtiti - on loan from Barcelona - left the pitch in tears, with Infantino taking to Instagram where he delivered a powerful message.

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Sharing snaps of Umtiti and Banda in action, Infantino captioned the post: "Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda - let's shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM!

"May the huge majority of fans, who are good people, stand up to shut up all the racists once and for all!"

Umtiti replied to the post in the comments, writing: "Only football, pleasure and joy. The rest doesn't matter."

Lecce fans attempted to drown out the vile abuse by chanting Umtiti and Banda's names.

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Meanwhile club president Saverio Sticchi Damiani insisted it was the French defender's decision to resume the game.

The Lecce chief said: "I hugged Samuel, as I do with all his teammates. After each match, regardless of the result, I want to greet the boys and the staff.

"When the referee stopped the game, waiting for the announcer to call for an end to the racist chants, Umtiti asked for the game to resume because he wanted to respond to the insults he received on the pitch.

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"He reacted like a true champion."

Umtiti joined Lecce last summer on a season-long loan from Barcelona having fallen down the pecking order at the Nou Camp over the last few years.

Injuries have ravaged the centre-back's career in recent seasons after helping France win the World Cup in 2018.

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His appearance against Lazio was just his sixth Serie A appearance of the season.

Infantino caused fury earlier this week when he was criticised for taking a selfie near Pele's open casket.

But the FIFA chief defended himself, saying: "I have so much respect and admiration for Pele and for that ceremony that I would never do anything that would be disrespectful in any way whatsoever."

The Brazil legend tragically lost his life on December 29 at the age of 82.

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