AC Milan forward Kevin-Prince Boateng invited to UN event

Former Tottenham player staged a walk-off in face of racist abuse

AC Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng, left, was racially abused (EPA)

AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been invited to attend the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in March following his recent stand against racist abuse.

Boateng has been widely praised after he walked off the pitch during Milan's match against fourth-tier side Pro Patria on January 3, having been subjected to a barrage of abuse from a section of the home fans.

The likes of Nigel de Jong, Rio Ferdinand and Vincent Kompany, in addition to his Milan team-mates, praised the former Portsmouth and Tottenham player's actions, which prompted the match to be abandoned.

Today the UN offered its own support to Boateng by inviting the Ghanaian to their annual racism awareness event, which has been held annually on March 21 since 1966.

"Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been invited to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination organised by the United Nations on Thursday, March 21st," read a statement on Milan's official website.

"The event will take place at the National Building in Geneva and will concentrate on Racism in Sport."

The news comes on the back of the judgment by the Italian football league not to take action against Boateng or Milan over the Pro Patria incident.

Serie A sporting judge Giampaolo Tosel said in a statement yesterday: "In footballing terms, no team can abandon a game out of their own choice, it must be down to the referee who makes this decision or public authorities.

"However, if a player is being racially insulted and his team-mates show solidarity by supporting their team-mate, the essential value of sports and civility mean the club cannot be penalised.

"For this reason, the judge will not issue any punishment to Milan."

Boateng's actions have not been universally welcomed within the game, however, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter warning that "running away" from racism is not the answer.

PA