Former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso dismisses Victor Osimhen’s racism allegations, saying the controversial TikTok video was ironic, not discriminatory

Mauro Meluso, former sporting director of Napoli, has refuted claims by Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen that he faced racism during his time at the Italian club.

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Speaking to TMW, Meluso addressed the striker’s criticism over a TikTok video posted by Napoli following a missed penalty against Bologna.

He said the incident, which Osimhen described as humiliating, was intended as irony rather than a racial slight.

“Regarding the TikTok video case, I remember that Nicola Lombardo, Napoli’s communications director, and I calmed Osimhen down. He was furious the day after that video came out,” Meluso said. “We were accused of racism, but there was nothing wrong with that; it was just a bit of irony.

He took it very badly, but woe betide anyone who dared to use racist language: Napoli abhors any form of racism. And so do the people of the city.”

Osimhen had recently claimed he was treated “like a dog” during his final months at Napoli and suggested that the social media post carried racist undertones.

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Meluso’s comments aim to clarify the club’s stance and emphasise its zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.

The Nigerian international has since moved to Galatasaray, where he continues to be a key figure in the team’s attack.