Moise Kean reports racist insults and receives support from Fiorentina, Juventus, and beyond

Moise Kean, a Fiorentina player, once again found himself the target of racist abuse, a persistent issue that continues to plague football.

Following Fiorentina’s 2-1 defeat against Inter Milan on Monday, the Italian forward took to social media to expose the offensive messages he received via Instagram. The incident is yet another example of the discrimination Black players continue to face, both on and off the pitch, despite ongoing efforts to eradicate racism from the sport.

In response to Kean’s statement, Fiorentina quickly released an official statement expressing their full support for the player. The club made it clear that they strongly condemn such behavior and stand firmly by their forward. "The club and the entire Fiorentina community stand by Moise Kean, who was the victim of severe racist attacks on social media after the match against Inter in Milan. The perpetrators of such acts have been reported to the relevant authorities," read the statement. Fiorentina’s swift action in reporting the abuse signals a commitment to ensuring accountability, an essential step in the battle against racism in football.

Kean’s situation has not gone unnoticed, and several clubs have also stepped forward to show their solidarity. Among the most vocal was Juventus, where Kean previously played, issuing a strong message against racism. "Never again. Juventus against racism," the club declared, accompanied by the widely used hashtag #WeRespAct, which has become a symbol of anti-racism initiatives in Italian football. AC Milan also joined in offering support, alongside other Serie A clubs that reinforced the message that racism has no place in football. However, despite these public demonstrations of unity, the reality remains that racial abuse continues to surface time and time again, raising questions about whether enough is being done by both football authorities and social media platforms to prevent such incidents.

Rather than responding with words, Kean made a bold personal statement by changing his Instagram profile picture to an image of a gorilla. The act quickly caught widespread attention and sparked conversation. While some may misinterpret the gesture, it was a clear and powerful stand against racism an attempt to reclaim the negative stereotypes used against Black players and turn them into a symbol of strength. Gorillas, often referenced in racial slurs, are known for their power, intelligence, and resilience qualities that Kean undoubtedly wished to embody in the face of such abuse.

This is not the first time Kean has been subjected to racist abuse during his career. In 2019, while playing for Juventus, he was targeted by Cagliari fans during a match after celebrating a goal. That incident sparked controversy, especially after his then-teammate Leonardo Bonucci suggested that Kean was partly responsible for provoking the crowd comments that were widely condemned. Since then, numerous other Black players in Italy have faced similar treatment, including Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Mike Maignan. The recurring nature of these incidents has fueled ongoing debates about Serie A’s handling of racism and whether the league is doing enough to protect its players.

The latest episode involving Kean also highlights the inadequacies of social media platforms in addressing online abuse. Despite Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook implementing policies against hate speech, racist messages continue to appear with alarming frequency. Critics argue that these platforms must take stronger action, such as enforcing automatic bans, collaborating more closely with law enforcement, and introducing stricter monitoring systems to prevent offenders from hiding behind anonymous accounts. Football governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA have pledged to intensify efforts against racism, but many players remain skeptical, believing that statements of condemnation are not enough without real consequences for offenders.

Kean’s response to this latest incident shows that he refuses to be silenced. His symbolic gesture on Instagram has resonated with many, serving as a reminder that the fight against racism is far from over. While Fiorentina and other clubs have publicly expressed their support, it remains to be seen whether this case will lead to any significant action or if it will simply be another incident added to football’s long history of racial abuse. For now, Kean remains focused on his football, determined not to let hate define his career. His voice, and the voices of countless others who have faced similar discrimination, must not be ignored.