Juventus Condemn Racist Chants Towards Weston McKennie After Serie A Victory Over Parma

Juventus Respond to Racist Abuse of Weston McKennie After Parma Win

Juventus began their Serie A campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Parma on Sunday evening, but the joy of the opening victory was quickly overshadowed by an ugly incident at the Allianz Stadium. Midfielder Weston McKennie was subjected to racist chants from the away end, prompting the club to release a strong statement late in the night condemning the behaviour and pledging to cooperate with authorities.

The 25-year-old American, who came off the bench in the closing minutes of the game, was targeted while taking part in a post-match training session with teammates who hadn’t featured in the victory. What should have been a simple recovery routine turned into a disturbing moment, once again exposing the persistent issue of racism in Italian football.

A Winning Start Marred by Disgrace

On the pitch, Juventus had done their job. A debut goal from Canadian striker Jonathan David and a composed finish from Dusan Vlahovic sealed three points for the Bianconeri in front of their home crowd. For a team looking to re-establish itself as a genuine title contender, the performance was promising.

Yet the aftermath of the game shifted focus away from football. As McKennie jogged and stretched on the pitch, sections of Parma’s away support allegedly directed discriminatory abuse at him. Juventus moved quickly to make their stance clear, releasing a statement that read:

“This evening, at the end of the match against Parma, Weston McKennie was subjected to discriminatory racist remarks by some individuals in the away section, while he was training on the pitch with his teammates who had not taken part in the game. Juventus strongly condemns this incident and any form of racism, and will ensure full cooperation with the sporting justice authorities to identify those responsible.”

It was a firm response, but for many observers, it is yet another reminder that Italian football still struggles with repeated episodes of racist behaviour in stadiums.

McKennie’s Situation at Juventus

The incident comes at a time when McKennie’s own future at Juventus has been under question. The American midfielder has just one year left on his contract, and the club has been in discussions about an extension to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer next summer.

So far, no agreement has been reached. Juventus have considered cashing in before the transfer window closes, while McKennie himself is reportedly open to staying and seeing out the final year of his deal. It leaves both player and club in a delicate position — especially as he remains a useful squad member, capable of filling multiple midfield roles.

Despite the uncertainty, McKennie’s professionalism has never been doubted. His late cameo against Parma and subsequent training session showed his commitment, which made the abuse he endured all the more undeserved and bitterly disappointing.

Italian Football’s Ongoing Problem

Borussia Dortmund v Juventus FC – Pre-Season Friendly

Unfortunately, McKennie’s experience is not an isolated one. Serie A has been plagued by incidents of racism in recent years, with several high-profile players targeted, both Italian and international. From monkey chants aimed at black players to discriminatory banners and gestures, the league has been criticised for not doing enough to deter offenders.

Clubs have often condemned abuse, as Juventus did on Sunday, but critics argue that punishments for supporters are rarely strong enough. Partial stadium closures and fines have been imposed, but repeat offenders still find ways to make their voices heard.

For players like McKennie, who represents not only Juventus but also the United States on the international stage, the abuse cuts deeper. Football is meant to unite fans from across the world, yet incidents like this fracture that sense of unity and inclusion.

Solidarity From Teammates and Fans

Borussia Dortmund v Juventus FC – Pre-Season Friendly

While Juventus’ official statement was swift, there was also a wave of support on social media. Fans expressed solidarity with McKennie, praising the midfielder’s resilience and condemning those responsible for the chants.

Teammates are also expected to rally around him, with many players in the squad having spoken out previously against racism in the game. Veteran figures like Danilo and captain Daniele Rugani have been vocal about creating an inclusive environment inside the dressing room. For McKennie, that solidarity will matter as he continues to focus on his football amidst the off-field noise.

What Happens Next?

The next steps will depend heavily on the sporting justice authorities and whether those responsible can be identified. Juventus have pledged cooperation, which suggests they may also consider taking further action, such as banning offenders from attending future matches.

Serie A’s governing body will also be under pressure to respond. With Italy hosting games of international significance in the near future, and with UEFA keeping a close eye on crowd behaviour, there will be calls for stronger measures to ensure incidents like this are not repeated.

For McKennie, the hope will be to move past the abuse and continue contributing on the pitch. Juventus face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks, and whether he stays beyond the transfer window or not, his energy and versatility in midfield could prove invaluable.

A Bitter Reminder in a Positive Start

Juventus should have been celebrating a smooth start to their season, with their new attacking partnership already delivering goals and confidence flowing through Massimiliano Allegri’s squad. Instead, much of the conversation has turned to the disgraceful behaviour of a small group of visiting supporters.

Football, at its best, is a celebration of diversity — a global sport where players from every continent can share the same pitch and inspire millions. Incidents like the one McKennie endured serve as a bitter reminder that there is still progress to be made, not just in Italian football but across the sport as a whole.

As Juventus prepare for their next fixtures, the focus will return to their pursuit of silverware. But in the background, the fight against racism continues. And as McKennie himself has shown throughout his career, resilience on and off the pitch remains just as important as any victory on a Sunday night.