Roma: Club issue apology to Sampdoria's Ronaldo Vieira after racial abuse in Serie A game

The 21-year-old was the target of monkey chants from the away section at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on Sunday

Roma have apologised to Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira after he was racially abused by fans in a game between the two sides on Sunday.

The 21-year-old, who joined the club from Leeds last year, was targeted during a 0-0 draw at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

There were audible monkey chants from the visiting supporters, and Roma have since issued a statement in apology.

“AS Roma would like to apologise to Ronaldo Vieira for the racist boos he was subjected to,” the club wrote on Twitter.

“Roma does not tolerate racism of any kind and the club will support the authorities in identifying and subsequently banning any individuals found guilty of racially abusing the midfielder.”

Roma fans were reportedly warned during the game that the match would be suspended if the chants did not stop.

“I heard it but I don't want to talk about it," Vieira told Italian TV after the game. “This happens too often, it shouldn't be this way.”

This is not the first incident of racial abuse in Italian football this season. Fiorentina defender Dalbert was targeted by Atalanta fans and Roma banned a supporter for life following racist posts aimed at Juan Jesus on social media.