Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie was targeted by racist comments following a message of congratulations by his hometown in the wake of his debut for the senior national team of Italy, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Udogie was born to Nigerian parents in Italy and raised in Nogara, on the outskirts of Verona. He was eligible for both countries but decided to pledge his senior international future to Italy, where he was a part of their youth set up.
He made his senior international bow in the 4-0 win against Malta and had his first start in the 1-3 loss. His debut was seen as a thing of pride to the little town of Nogara.
In a post on their official Facebook handle, the Nogara town council celebrated his debut for the senior national team of Italy with a post. Describing him as one of the heroes of the town.
The message quickly became a target for racist insults terming the 20 year old as a Nigerian and not a real Italian. A post went as far as telling him that he should go back to Nigeria.
The comments left the major of Nogara Flavio Pasini angry forcing him to release a statement, where he said they tracked people who made the comments and found out they are not from the town.
“I want to be clear: we stand against any comments made against the colour of Destiny’s skin. Udogie is from Nogara and it is unacceptable to read certain things said about a young man who was born and raised in my town, who made his dream come true with his debut in the Azzurri jersey.
“I tried to figure out who had written these things and realised those insulting him are not from Nogara, but rushed to our Facebook page to insult a good guy for no reason. He is one of us and we are very proud of him.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman