Juventus report racist abuse against McKennie

Juventus have officially reported racist abuse directed at their American midfielder Weston McKennie during their Serie A victory over Parma on Sunday, adding yet another case to the growing list of discriminatory incidents that continue to cast a shadow over Italian football.

The abuse reportedly occurred after the final whistle, in a moment that should have been routine and uneventful. Following their 2-0 win, several Juventus players, including McKennie, remained on the pitch at the Allianz Stadium to carry out a post-match recovery and specific training session under the guidance of the club’s fitness staff. While they went through these exercises, sections of the Parma supporters who were still inside the stadium waiting for police clearance to leave began directing racist chants and insults towards the 26-year-old midfielder.

Juventus quickly moved to denounce the incident publicly, stressing that the club stands firmly against any form of racism or discrimination. Parma, too, did not hesitate to join their opponents in condemning the behavior of those responsible, distancing themselves as an institution from the actions of a minority of their traveling supporters. Both clubs released strong statements of solidarity with McKennie, underlining that racism has no place in football or in society.

For McKennie, who has been with Juventus since 2020 and has established himself as a key player for both club and country, the abuse was another example of the struggles that Black players continue to face in Serie A. The Texan midfielder has often spoken about resilience and pride in representing both Juventus and the U.S. national team, but incidents such as this highlight the personal toll that discriminatory behavior can have on athletes. Reports suggest that McKennie chose not to react on the pitch, maintaining his composure and finishing the session, though teammates were visibly frustrated by what they heard.

Italian football has long grappled with the issue of racism, with numerous high-profile cases in recent years. Players such as Romelu Lukaku, Mike Maignan, and Moise Kean himself a Juventus academy graduate have all been subjected to racist abuse in Serie A stadiums, prompting repeated calls for stricter punishments and more decisive action from the league authorities. The incident with McKennie serves as yet another reminder that, despite campaigns and awareness efforts, the problem has not been eradicated.

Authorities are expected to open an investigation into Sunday’s events, reviewing security reports, steward testimony, and potential video footage to identify the individuals responsible. Juventus have urged the relevant bodies, including the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Serie A’s disciplinary committee, to act swiftly and firmly. There have been increasing calls across Italian sport for measures such as stadium bans, point deductions, and even match suspensions in response to repeated racist behavior.

For Juventus, the priority remains to protect their player and show unity in the face of such attacks. Coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has often defended his squad from criticism, is expected to address the issue publicly in the coming days, and McKennie’s teammates have already voiced support privately. Within the dressing room, the American is a popular figure, known for his work rate, energy, and lighthearted personality. The squad’s solidarity will likely be a key factor in helping him move past the incident.

Beyond the sporting side, this case also reignites a broader societal debate in Italy. Anti-racism groups and footballers’ unions have long argued that more decisive government involvement is required, pointing out that isolated condemnations, while welcome, are insufficient if not followed by firm sanctions. The abuse directed at McKennie underscores the persistence of a toxic minority of fans who continue to undermine the sport’s reputation both domestically and internationally.

Sunday should have been remembered purely for Juventus’s performance on the pitch. Their victory over Parma consolidated their strong start to the season and showcased a balanced, disciplined display, with McKennie once again playing an important role in midfield. Instead, the post-match headlines have been dominated by yet another ugly episode of racism, shifting the focus away from the football itself.

As Juventus and Parma both made clear in their statements, football must not tolerate such behavior. Whether the authorities now follow through with action will determine if this incident becomes a turning point or just another entry in a long list of unpunished offenses. For McKennie, it was a night that should have been about celebration with his teammates, overshadowed by the persistence of an issue that the game has yet to solve.