Juventus defender Jonathan Zebina claimed he was the victim of racism after being hit by a fan on Sunday. Zebina was slapped on the back of the head by a Juve supporter as he was about to enter the team's bus ahead of their home Serie A game against Atalanta. A group of Juve fans were protesting outside the team's hotel in Turin when the incident took place. "It is a racist act,'' Zebina said. "I believe one has the right to criticise the team. We, players, are fortunate. We have an important responsibility considering the social climate in which we live, where people are losing their jobs. "Hence, those that pay for a ticket to watch a game can protest as long as it is done with civility.'' This is not the first time this season Juve fans have been accused of racism. A section of Juve fans were banned earlier this year by the Italian football league from attending a game after racial taunts against Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. However, Zebina believes authorities should take more action. "The institutions should send out more signals of condemnation,'' he said. "I don't think Italy is racist but I am saddened that the image of this country is stained by incidents like this one. I believe these acts also take place in France, England and the United States. "These episodes, however, do not tarnish the image that I have of Italy having lived here for 12 years.''
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