Audio By Carbonatix
Sulley Muntari has said he would be the "No.1" supporter of any organized player boycott in protest against what he believes are increasing incidents of racism in the sport.
Last week the Ghana midfielder, who plays for top-flight Italian team Pescara, said he was "treated like a criminal" after receiving a one-match ban, which was later rescinded, for objecting to being racially abused during a Serie A game.
On April 30, the 32-year-old had left the field in protest during a match against Cagliari in Sardinia after being booked for complaining of being abused by a section of fans.
The former AC Milan midfielder said he would gladly take part in a boycott, insisting he would go anywhere to bring light to the issue.
Leading anti-racism campaigner Piara Power told CNN Sport that player boycotts were credible, before adding that footballers in Italy needed to be "more active."
"In a country like Italy, where there are big name players who feel very strongly about these issues, then a boycott is one way to go," said Power, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE).
"In the end, it's the way the boycott is received, the way in which the Italian FA changes the way it looks at these issues, the education of the fans. More needs to be done on all of those.
"[Boycotts] are a very good way of taking this forward. We've seen it in the US, don't forget, on issues around race there. Why not in Italy?"
In overturning Muntari's initial suspension for his two yellow cards against Cagliari, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said it had considered the "particular delicacy" of the case.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s new envoy to U.S. and diaspora lawyers to launch ‘Law Day’ for citizens
2 hours -
Mahamud Iddi wins TCL Electronics worth GH¢100,000 in EGL’s Akye3de3 Kese3 Promotion
4 hours -
Lands Minister, NAIMOS mourn fallen soldier killed during anti-galamsey operation in Obuasi
4 hours -
Ghana Impact Project donates $20k to restore mobility for children
4 hours -
JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante named Best Radio and TV Journalist in Parliamentary Reporting
5 hours -
Education Ministry updates EMIS indicators to strengthen ICT integration in schools
6 hours -
Interior Ministry declares Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day public holidays
6 hours -
President Mahama directs Finance Ministry to disburse $78m for completion of Takoradi–Agona-Nkwanta road
6 hours -
Interior Minister lauds NIA staff for dedication, pledges continued government support
6 hours -
First Atlantic Bank will run a “proper and decent business” to protect shareholder value – CEO
7 hours -
First Atlantic Bank targets African expansion as IPO strengthens capital, governance
7 hours -
First Atlantic Bank CEO attributes IPO and GSE listing decision to renewed confidence in Ghana’s economy
7 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Bechem United end All Blacks 6-game unbeaten run
7 hours -
Eggs fly off shelves as shoppers throng The Multimedia Group’s X’mas Egg Market on final day
8 hours -
Bankable energy: Why Africa’s downstream sector is the next global investment frontier
8 hours
