Lecce defender attacked by fans at training ground

LECCE'S Mali defender, Souleymane Diamoutene, was manhandled in training by his own ultra fans, who tried to rip his shirt from his back after being angered by the former Bari player wearing the captain's armband and his recent form.

Players and coaches eventually calmed the situation and a dozen ultras left the field as police were called. Diamoutene said he received verbal abuse but not of a racist nature. Lecce, big rivals with Bari, host Genoa tomorrow.

Football's international players' union FIFPro supported the Italian Players' Association in denouncing the harassment of Diamoutene.

Diamoutene said: "They came towards me, putting their hands on me and trying to tear off my Lecce jersey. There were no racist insults. There were only personal insults based on my past playing for Bari."

FIFPro said it "strongly condemns all sorts of violence aimed at players. Players are workers and like any other worker they are entitled to carry out their profession in an atmosphere free from violence, racism or any other form of intimidation".

Leaders AC Milan entertain Brescia tonight and coach Massimiliano Allegri could again leave out Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo as he looks for speed and dynamism. Despite looking tired, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will again be the main striker for Milan, who have been linked with a January bid for Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.