Symbolic initiatives are not enough, concrete facts are needed. This is the clear position taken by Dierre Reggio after the serious episodes that occurred last Sunday in the Serie C Unica basketball championship, during the match played at Palalivatino.
Through a note published on its social channels, the Reggio Calabria club denounced racist insults aimed at its basketball player Elias Donati, uttered – according to reports – by a Gela Basket manager. An episode documented by a clear and irrefutable video, in which repeated and unequivocal offenses would be felt.
Indignation and solidarity
What happened would not have gone unnoticed either by the public present in the stands or by those following the match via live streaming, transforming a moment of sport into an unworthy spectacle. Dierre speaks of widespread shock and indignation, evidenced by the numerous messages of solidarity received from fans, parents and enthusiasts.
The company condemns “absolutely and without appeal” what happened, defining the racist insults as “a cancer that offends sport, society and the dignity of the person”. The absolute priority, the club underlines, is the protection of its member, who at this moment has the full support of the club.
Requests to the opposing club
In the statement, Dierre makes specific requests: a public, clear and unequivocal apology from Gela Basket and serious and immediate measures against the manager involved.
There is also a wait for the decisions of the sports judge, from whom the Reggio club expects real and exemplary measures, to protect the victim and as a warning for the future. In parallel, an official note is being prepared to be sent to the competent federal and institutional bodies.
«Sport is passion, respect and loyalty – concludes Dierre -. The fight against racism is not celebrated one day a year: it is fought every day, with facts.”