Serie A anti-racism campaign using monkey paintings branded 'sick joke'

18 December 2019, 09:10

Serie A anti-racism campaign using monkey paintings branded 'sick joke'
Serie A anti-racism campaign using monkey paintings branded 'sick joke'. Picture: Serie A

The Italian premier league’s decision to use three paintings of monkeys to illustrate an anti-racism campaign has been branded "a sick joke.”

Serie A has been criticised by anti-discrimination groups over the decision, which they said had left them “speechless.”

The paintings are intended to "spread the values of integration, multiculturalism and brotherhood" and will be on permanent display at the entrance to the league’s headquarters in Milan.

They were painted by artist Simone Fugazzotto, who is known for producing work focused almost entirely on apes.The league unveiled the project on Monday, although it was originally commissioned for the Coppa Italia final between Lazio and Atalanta last May.

Italian football has been blighted by monkey chants and other incidents of racist abuse this season.

Anti-discrimination organisation Fare network criticised the move on Twitter, writing: "Once again Italian football leaves the world speechless.

"In a country in which the authorities fail to deal with racism week after week #SerieA have launched a campaign that looks like a sick joke.

"These creations are an outrage, they will be counter-productive and continue the dehumanisation of people of African heritage.

"It is difficult to see what Serie A was thinking, who did they consult?"It is time for the progressive clubs in the league to make their voice heard."

Fugazzotto said he "decided to portray monkeys to talk about racism because they are the metaphor for human beings".

He added on the Serie A website: "I've always been painting monkeys for five to six years, so I thought I'd make this work to teach that we're all apes.

"I made the western monkey with blue and white eyes, the Asian monkey with almond-shaped eyes and the black monkey positioned in the centre, where everything comes from.

"The monkey becomes the spark to teach everyone that there is no difference, there is no man or monkey, we are all alike. If anything we are all monkeys."

Serie A chief executive Luigi De Siervo called football "an extraordinary tool for conveying positive messages, fair play and tolerance" and said Fugazzotto's paintings "fully reflect these values".

He said: "We know that racism is an endemic and very complex problem, which we will tackle on three different levels - the cultural one, through works like that of Simone, the sporting one, with a series of initiatives together with clubs and players, and the repressive one, thanks to the collaboration with the police.

"By acting simultaneously on these three different levels we are sure that we will be able to win the most important game against the evil that ruins the most beautiful sport in the world."

Serie A club Roma later tweeted a statement expressing surprise at the league's approach.

"AS Roma was very surprised to see what appears to be an anti-racist campaign from Serie A featuring painted monkeys on social media today," read the tweet."We understand the league wants to tackle racism but we don't believe this is the right way to do it."

AC Milan also criticised the move, adding: "Art can be powerful, but we strongly disagree with the use of monkeys as images in the fight against racism and were surprised by the total lack of consultation."

Two weeks ago Italian paper Corrierre dello Sport was criticised for using the headline 'Black Friday' on its front page alongside images of Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and Roma's Chris Smalling.

The former Manchester United team-mates were due to go up against each other for their new clubs the following day.The article attempted to highlight the league's racism problem, but the newspaper was accused of fuelling racism by anti-discrimination campaigners.

Lukaku himself and Brescia forward Mario Balotelli are among those to make allegations of being racially abused by supporters during games this season.

Last month all 20 clubs in Italy's top tier signed an open letter which called on "all those who love Italian football" to unite to try to eradicate the "serious problem".

Serie A have been contacted for a comment.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A poll of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the UK suggests around one in six (17%) parents rated the toilets at their child’s school as unclean.

'Like a horror movie': One in 10 parents say children avoid school over 'filthy' toilets

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years