VINCENT KOMPANY and Rio Ferdinand last night led the support for AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who yesterday walked off the field in protest at racist abuse during a friendly in Italy.
Ghanaian Boateng, 25, who had spells in England with both Tottenham and Portsmouth, was followed by his team-mates and the match was abandoned. The game against Pro Patria – who are in Italy’s fourth tier – was being played in Busto Arsizio, a town north of Milan.
The flashpoint came in the 26th minute when Boateng, above, picked up the ball and smashed it towards the stand behind him.
He tore off his shirt and walked from the field. On his way, he applauded the other sections of the crowd, who then appeared to react angrily towards the corner of the ground from which the chants came.
Boateng said on twitter: “Shame that these things still happen?... ?Stop Racism for ever”. Support came from around the world.
Pro Patria’s Dario Alberto Polverini attempted to talk to Boateng as he departed but the midfielder carried on walking and the rest of the players and officials followed him off the pitch.
It was quickly established that play would not restart.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said: “We are disappointed and saddened by what has happened.