Messina's Ivorian defender Marc Zoro was reduced to tears on Sunday, after being subjected to racial abuse by the visiting fans of Inter Milan, in the Italian Serie A.
The 21-year-old was targetted when he went to collect the ball near the away supporters' section and after a chorus of monkey chants he decided he would take no more part in the game.
Inter's Brazilian striker Adriano went over to console Zoro before he broke down in tears.
Zoro's team-mates managed to then persuade him to play the remainder of the match and his decision was applauded by the Messina crowd.
Officials from the Italian football federation talked to Zoro about the incident after the match and the matter is likely to lead to an official enquiry.
Last month, Zoro said he constantly suffers racial insults.
"I have been playing in Italy for three years and I see this happening almost daily," the 21-year-old said.
"All this makes me really sad. It's not easy for me and it hurts. I don't deserve this."
On the first day of this season, Zoro was subjected to racial abuse by a large section of Lazio fans at the Olympic stadium.
His anger almost boiled over at the final whistle and he had to be restrained by his team-mates.
Afterwards, Lazio president Claudio Lotito went into the Messina dressing room to apologise on behalf of his club.
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