Italian Premier praises Serie A banning racist soccer fan for life
CGTN
Juan Jesus of Roma during the UEFA Europa League group J match between AS Roma and Istanbul Basaksehir F.K. at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2019 in Rome, Italy. /VCG Photo

Juan Jesus of Roma during the UEFA Europa League group J match between AS Roma and Istanbul Basaksehir F.K. at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2019 in Rome, Italy. /VCG Photo

Roma have banned a fan for life and informed the police of racist abuse aimed at Brazilian defender Juan Jesus, followed by Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte applauding the ban on social media.

Roma said on the club's official Twitter account it had filed a police complaint against the fan for using social media to send "disgusting racist insults" to the player.

"The person responsible will be banned from #ASRoma games for life," the club said.

Conte backed Roma's stance on Friday, writing on Twitter that "The person who insulted Juan Jesus yesterday has no passion for sport, he should stay outside sports stadiums for life."

One of Conte's predecessors, Matteo Renzi, also praised the Serie A club. Renzi retweeted the club's post, with the comment "Well done to Roma, this is the right path!"

Last Sunday's Italian league match between Atalanta and Fiorentina was halted for several minutes after racist chants were aimed at the Tuscan side's Brazilian player Dalbert in a game played in Parma.

Inter Milan's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku and AC Milan's Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie have been targeted by monkey calls this season.

Blaise Matuidi, Kalidou Koulibaly and Moise Kean were also victims last season.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Monday made a plea to "kick racism out" of Italian football.

(With input from agencies)