It was strongly counter-productive, since the Series A bought three paintings of monkeys in different colors to fight racism.

the Artist behind the much-criticised abebilleder, to combat racism in Italian football, apologize.

The Italian artist Simone Fugazzotto, say to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that his idea with the pictures was to portray the whites, asians and blacks as monkeys.

the Purpose of the pictures was that they should serve as a "defense" against the insulting interjection, as some black football players have experienced from groups of Italian football fans.

the Pictures were earlier in the week published on the Italian Serie A's website and social media. At the same time, they were exhibited at the league's headquarters.

According to Serie A should the images "spread values such as integration, multiculturalism and brotherhood".

But the images have been received with numerous negative reactions. Both from anti-racist organisations and among the several Italian clubs.

the Photos are, among other things been called "inappropriate" and something that looks like "a sick joke".

the Criticism now get the artists to apologize - but also declare themselves misunderstood.

- As an artist I am not committed to anything, but of course I would like to join the league apology to all who feel slighted, says Fugazzotto.

He is even football fan and says that he has several times experienced the fans on the stage, who make abelyde and throwing bananas at black players.

- I decided to paint all as monkeys. A caucasian monkey, an asian monkey, an african monkey, he explains.

He initially wanted to have the images accompanied by the text: "We are all monkeys".

Fugazzotto painter as an artist regularly abemotiver in different variations. Some times in mennesketøj and with items that represent various cultural and historical periods.

Serie A defending in the beginning the campaign and said that it fulfilled its purpose.

But subsequently have Serie A's director, Luigi De Siervo, apologized to those who feel offended.

- Although the artist has explained, that meant, specifically, was a message against racism, many found the works dubious, he says in a message.

- What is not in doubt, is Serie A's strong and unwavering condemnation of all forms of discrimination and racism, which is phenomena, we are determined to eliminate in our league.

/ritzau/AFP