AC Milan players, led by midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, abandoned a friendly against Pro Patria from Italy’s fourth division on Thursday due to racial abuse. After just 26 minutes of the game, during which a number of Milan players were subjected to racially abusive chanting, Boateng picked up the ball and kicked it into the crowd, then he took off his shirt and walked off the field. Players from both teams walked off with him.

After the game, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said that Boateng, who has been widely supported for his actions, had been right to make a stand. "Walking off was the right choice when faced with something like this," Allegri said. "We need to stop these uncivil gestures. Italy needs to improve and become better educated and more intelligent. We are sorry … but we could not make any other decision."

Milan director Umberto Gandini also backed Boateng. "It is so sad but we had to give a strong signal," he said. "Very proud of all Milan players for their decision."

The Italian soccer federation said it is investigating the incident.