Source:REUTERS/Amel Emric
[Saba Sports News] According to Italian media reports, Alessandro Bastoni has recently come under fierce public criticism after being sent off with a red card in Italy’s crucial World Cup qualifying defeat. In response, Inter Milan fans unfurled banners outside the training ground to show their support for the player. Reports state that the former Curva Sud fan group “Secondo Anello Verde” hung a banner reading “Hold your head high, fear nothing, we stand with you” at the entrance of the training ground, dedicated to Bastoni. Though Bastoni never intended to be in the spotlight, he is now being talked about everywhere from Italy to Catalonia. Dejected by missing out on the World Cup and hurt by harsh public opinion, he still has to return to the pitch tomorrow to play under the eyes of the whole world. The fans’ support may bring him some comfort. Ahead of the match, dozens of fans also sang chants for Bastoni at the entrance of the training ground.
The editor believes that this show of support from fans has also sparked discussions about the public opinion environment surrounding footballers. Some online criticism toward players has been overly harsh, and more tolerance should be given when they make mistakes. Meanwhile, the fans’ gesture demonstrates the strong bond between supporters and players, becoming a heartwarming story in Serie A recently.