Pogba says white wristband he wore was in support of Koulibaly

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Paul Pogba has revealed the white wristband he wore in Manchester United’s win over Bournemouth was in tribute to Kalidou Koulibaly, who was subjected to racist taunts and monkey chants in Napoli’s match against Inter Milan.

The defender was allegedly subjected to sustained abuse during the club’s 1-0 defeat at the San Siro on Boxing Day.

Koulibaly and his manager Carlo Ancelotti were left furious by the monkey chants during the match and the coach asked for the match to be stopped twice.

The central defender, a nominee for African Player of the Year and one of Europe’s finest centre-backs, was sent off late in the game for a second yellow card offence when he sarcastically applauded the decision of the referee.

There had previously been announcements over the tannoy system urging supporters to behave.

Pogba sported a white wristband as he scored twice in United’s 4-1 win over Eddie Howe’s side at Old Trafford on Sunday.

He explained on social media afterwards that it was a gesture of support to Koulibaly.

The Frenchman wrote on Instagram: ‘Well done guys beautiful way to finish the year. (Plus) honour handband for (Koulibaly)- 2019 say NO to racism.’

Ancelotti has warned that his team will simply walk off the pitch if the situation arises again in the future.

He said: ‘It’s a shame because twice we asked for the match to be suspended for the racist chanting towards Koulibaly.

‘It shook him – he’s a good-mannered player and he was bombarded by the stadium. Despite our requests and the chanting, the game wasn’t suspended. I think it should have been. Next time we’ll stop playing ourselves.’

Koulibaly hasn’t played since the incident because he was suspended for Napoli’s 3-2 win over Bologna.

His team-mates warmed up in shirts with his name on the back. Inter have already been punished for the episode and will have to play two home matches behind closed doors.

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