Serie A apologizes after images of monkeys were revealed at a news conference on Monday. The imageries are set to be used as artwork for an anti-racism campaign.
The monkey posters were not well received by the audience. In this case, the league faced heavy criticism from the Italian Clubs AC Milan and Roma. Also, the anti-discrimination organizations did not approve of the use of the posters.
Milan said they, “strongly disagree” with the use of monkeys. While Roma expressed their “surprise” and added, “we understand the league wants to tackle racism. But we don’t believe this is the right way to do it.”
The anti-discriminatory body Fare was left “speechless” and the campaign looked like a “sick joke.”
The Kick It Out added on the issue of monkeys and said it was “completely inappropriate.”
The League’s chief executive, Luigi De Siervo responded to the matter and said, “I realized it was inappropriate.”
“What cannot be questioned is the strong and constant condemnation by Serie A against all forms of discrimination and racism. We are committed to eradicating this from our beloved league.” Said De Siervo.
“Serie A is working on its official anti-racism campaign which cannot be identified with Simone Fugazzotto’s work. it will be presented by the end of February.”
On the other hand, the artist, Simone Fugazzotto defended his creation. He said, “we are all monkeys”
The posters show three monkeys with painted faces. Additionally, the “No To Racism” posters comes fewer than three weeks after clubs pledged to combat Italian football’s “serious problem.”
It remains a dilemma whether they will be displayed at Serie A headquarters in Milan as planned.