AC Milan friendly called off after racist chanting

A friendly between AC Milan and Italian lower division club Pro Patria was suspended after players walked off because of racist chants.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced an immediate inquiry.

Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng picked up the ball 25 minutes into the first half and kicked it into the crowd.

Ghana international Boateng then removed his shirt and was followed from Pro Patria's home pitch by both sets of players and officials.

There had been appeals for the abuse to stop from the public address announcer.

It was quickly established that play would not restart and Milan's official website said other black players in their side - M'Baye Niang, Urby Emanuelson and Sulley Muntari - suffered abuse.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters: "We are disappointed and saddened by what has happened.

Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE), called for the FIGC to take strong action.

"We salute Kevin-Prince Boateng for his actions and his team-mates for their support," said Powar.

"This is the not the first time a player has walked off in Italy - if the situation continues it may not be the last.

"Italy, as much as any country in Europe, has a serious problem of racism to deal with. Football infrastructure is in need of renewal and at serious odds with the changing nature of Italian society.

"We look forward to strong action by the FIGC."

In June, Uefa president Michel Platini said that any players who walked off the pitch at Euro 2012 because of racist abuse would be booked.