Italian player banned for 10 games over racist abuse of Joel Obi

FIVE months after using racist language against former Super Eagles midfielder Joel Obi, Pisa striker Michele Marconi has been handed a 10-match Serie B ban.

The incident occurred during the 2-2 draw between Pisa and Chievo on 22 December, 2020.

Italian Marconi, 31, had initially been cleared after the first hearing two months ago, but new evidence emerged before the appeal and he was found guilty, according to FootballItalia.

At the time of the incident, Chievo had issued a statement claiming that Marconi said “the revolt of the slaves” to the Nigerian following a challenge.

“When I heard that phrase, my mind just went for a few minutes, asking myself if I’d really heard it,” Obi told Athleta.

“I kept playing, but my focus was elsewhere. It’s incredible that someone could use words like that today, especially with all the efforts people are making to weaken the ‘disease’ of racism.”

Obi, 29, has been in Italy since 2005 when he joined Inter Milan’s youth team.

He has played for the Inter Milan senior team, Parma and Torino in his time in Italy.

He has played 28 times for Chievo in the Italian second division this season, scoring four goals and making one assist.

Obi has 17 Super Eagles caps having made his debut in 2011.