Inter sorry for Zoro racism

Internazionale have been forced to apologise to Messina's Marco Zoro.

Zoro was incensed by the abuse his received from the Nerazzurri faithful and at one point he picked up the ball and attempted to leave the pitch.

Inter players Obafemi Martins and Adriano persuaded him to play on and Messina finished the game - which they lost 2-1.

Zoro remained unhappy after the match.

"Each time I was on the right side, I heard monkey noises, I was booed and abused," Zoro said.

"I told the referee I was exhausted with it. So I decided to stop, I could not stand it anymore.

"I didn't accept it so I took the ball and I talked with the referee's assistant and I wanted to quit the game.

"Then Inter players convinced me to stay and not to do so.

"I decided to remain to respect my team-mates and the opponents.

"It's a thing that has happened many times.

"I was in the classical situation of a black player in Italy.

"It must stop, we can't let this happen anymore: the black slave trade has been over for two centuries! We need respect."

Inter president Giacinto Facchetti apologised for Zoro being abused.

"In the name of the club I apologise to Zoro if someone has been rude," said Facchetti.

"Unfortunately these things happen sometimes, but Inter have always been against racism."

The Italian Football Federation have confirmed that an inquiry has been launched into the affair.