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.
leviathan2004
106
It is time for all African professional football players and football players in general to collectively stand up to racism and to be there for their fellow footballers who experience racism. We the fans can also play a part in resisting this disease by condemning racist speech and behavior. May our beautiful game live forever. #J'aime Football
Parmpabla
74
This is not way to treat opponent's. As a fan we have to respect all the players. koulibaly is one of the best defender in the world right now. He's not a aggressive kind of player, but i know also he sent off in that match but when you heard these kind of chants you become furious so it's not easy to handle these chants and pressure of big matches. Racism is not only in football it's every where in the world So, we have to take stand against the racism. #Say no to Racism.
MartialBright
66
I don't see why any football loving fan will be racially abusing black players while we the black fans are solidly behind our own clubs and supporting all the players there both white or black #KALIDU KUOLIBALYππ·π·π· #stop racism βββ
RealMd13
64
ππΎπ Paul Pogba says white wristband he wore was in support of Kalidou Koulibaly Me ππ Thank you ππΎ so much Pogba even thou Its wasnt you who suffered the racial abuse im glad that you are supporting Koulibaly through this hard times and togetherness from all black ppl and white ppl thats all we want and we must have love for each other cuz we cant get Nowhere in life unless we share that Love with each other and the black skin Its something We were given cuz we didnt make it sooo again Paul pogba Thank you so much ππΎU made my day!