New Delhi . Italian defender Marco Curto has been banned for 10 matches by FIFA for racially abusing Wolves forward Hwang Heechan, with five matches suspended for two years.
Curto, who is currently on loan at Serie B club Cesena from Como, was found guilty of abusing Hwang during a friendly match in Marseille in July. Hwang reported the incident during the second half of the match, resulting in an outcry from his teammates and a red card for Daniel Podence.
Sky Sports quoted a spokesperson for football's world governing body as saying: “Player Marco Curto was found guilty of discriminatory behavior and was sentenced to a 10match suspension, with half of those matches being suspended and two years' probation. “, and the player has been ordered to provide community services and receive training and education with a FIFA approved organization.”
The 25yearold joined Serie B side Cesena on a seasonlong loan a week after the friendly against Curto Wolves. Welcoming FIFA's decision, Wolves' director of football operations and administration Matt Wild expressed the club's support for the sanctions and reinforced the club's stance against discrimination. “The suspension issued to the player sends a clear message that racism and discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated in football or society. This outcome reflects FIFA's commitment that serious actions have meaningful consequences, and we encourage community service and education.” “It is encouraged to look at the use of sport sanctions as well.”
“Such measures underline the importance of both punishment and education in eliminating discriminatory behavior from the game we all love.”
He added, “Wolves will always stand strongly against racism and discrimination in any form, and we are fully committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected and included.”
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.