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'I wouldn't play with Bonucci' Jobi McAnuff slams Italian defender over Moise Kean racism comments

Leyton Orient midfielder Jobi McAnuff says he would refuse to play with Leonardo Bonucci following the Italian defender’s controversial comments after teammate Moise Kean was racially abused.

Italian forward Kean responded to monkey chants from home supporters with a defiant celebration after scoring his side’s second goal in a 2-0 win.

Speaking after the game however, Bonucci suggested Kean was partially responsible and the blame could be apportioned ‘50-50’ between the player and supporters.

“It’s disappointing in this day and age with everything that’s happened, we still have to go through incidents like this.” McAnuff lamented.

“The Juventus situation, for me, if my captain had come out said those things, me as a black player, I couldn’t play under him again. It would be that serious for me.”

Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci was heavily criticised after his comments about teammate Moise Kean (Getty)
Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci was heavily criticised after his comments about teammate Moise Kean (Getty)

READ MORE:England and Tottenham defender Danny Rose distressingly admits he ‘cannot wait’ to retire due to racism in football

READ MORE: Moise Kean racist abuse: Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci says comments were ‘misunderstood’

Bonucci later claimed his comments were ‘misunderstood’, but football’s racism problem remains a major issue with Tottenham defender Danny Rose admitting he is ready to walk away from the sport.

Rose was among the England players to suffer abuse in the recent European Championship qualifier in Montenegro and said he ‘can’t wait’ to retire given the inaction from governing bodies to fight the problem.

“I understand Danny Rose’s frustration.” McAnuff said. “It’s really sad to see someone at that level, when for someone at my age who doesn’t want to stop playing and hope it goes on forever, to say that he can’t wait to stop.

“That’s obviously the impact it’s had on him.”

Danny Rose is ready to quit the game over lack of action over racism (Getty)
Danny Rose is ready to quit the game over lack of action over racism (Getty)

McAnuff also believes players would be well within their rights to start walking off the pitch in the face of abuse in order to send a message to the powers that be.

“It’s great that players now are taking a stand, they have to because there’s not enough being done by the authorities around the world.”

“For me, the next step is going to be leaving the field of play”