Juventus has banned three fans of Parma for directing racist abuse at United States midfielder Weston McKennie during a Serie A match on August 24, 2023. The incident occurred when McKennie was warming down with his teammates on the pitch after the game, prompting an immediate condemnation from the club.
In a statement released on Friday, Juventus detailed how advanced surveillance technology played a crucial role in identifying the offenders. The club stated, “Thanks to the state-of-the-art surveillance system at the Allianz Stadium, including a multifocal camera system, law enforcement authorities were able to first identify and subsequently confirm the identities of three visiting supporters who… were responsible for making discriminatory and racist remarks towards Juventus player Weston McKennie.”
Juventus emphasized its firm stance against racism, stating, “Juventus Football Club, which strongly and unequivocally condemns this serious incident and any form of racism, has decided to enforce the ‘Codice di Gradimento’ against those responsible, in line with its ‘Code of Conduct,’ which provides for a ban on attending football events organized by the Club.”
This latest action reflects Juventus’ ongoing commitment to combating racism in football. The club has previously taken similar measures against supporters from Roma and Torino after incidents in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, in 2023, Fiorentina faced a suspended partial stadium ban after fans targeted McKennie and other Juventus players with racist chants.
Juventus’ decisive action against the three Parma fans highlights the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment in sports. The club’s proactive approach aims to deter such behavior in the future and sends a clear message that racism has no place in football.
