ENGLAND youth international Ronaldo Vieira has been subjected to vile racist abuse by Roma fans while playing for Sampdoria.
The midfielder, 21, was baited with monkey chants by sections of the travelling support during the Serie A clash in Genoa today.
Ex-Leeds star Vieira admitted he had heard the abuse during the game and said what happened was unacceptable.
And furious Roma officials later ordered a grovelling apology on their behalf to the player for the actions of their fans.
It is the latest shameful example of racism in football in a horrid week for the sport.
The abuse comes six days after England players were subjected to a torrent of abuse during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia.
The England players were ready to walk off the pitch in protest at the monkey chants aimed at Tyrone Mings among other stars.
And only yesterday an FA Cup match was abandoned after Yeovil fans racially abused Haringery goalkeeper Valery Pajetat.
Play in the match in Italy was held up as the referee temporary suspended the game in order for an announcement to be made over the PA system.
The match eventually continued, ending in a goalless draw.
Vieira said: “I heard it This happens too often, it shouldn’t be this way.”
Roma themselves were quick to make it clear the actions of their own fans was unacceptable.
The tweeted: “AS Roma would like to apologise to Ronaldo Vieira for the racist boos he was subjected to.
“Roma does not tolerate racism of any kind and the club will support the authorities in identifying and subsequently banning any individuals found guilty of racially abusing the midfielder.”
Italian football has been mired in racist issues this season, after Romelu Lukaku received monkey chants from Cagliari fans on his Serie A debut for Inter Milan.
