Serie A criticised for anti-racism artwork featuring apes

An anti-racism campaign gone wrong....according to an angry backlash on Twitter on Monday (December 16).

Italy's Serie A soccer league unveiled these side-by-side paintings of apes - they say in order "to underline the commitment of the world of football against all forms of discrimination."

But many think they missed the mark.

Among the critics was AC Milan who said they strongly disagreed with the use of monkeys as images in the fight against racism.

Simone Fugazzotto, the artist behind the campaign, is known for his provocative works, and his art almost always features chimpanzees.

He defended the paintings, saying he was trying to trying to destigmatize the word ''monkey'' in football by demonstrating that in the end we are all apes.

Opinions in Rome were mixed.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, FRANCA LEONARDI, SAYING:

"It is not as though people of colour are like this. They are not monkeys, I do not think people of colour are monkeys, absolutely not. It is a very strong metaphor."

WHITE FLASH

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, DANIEL MALACASA, SAYING:

"It is not really negative, if it's explained. If you just put things out there on their own, then many things do not make sense. But if it's explained with some context behind it, it could be positive. But to just put it out there like that, I don't think anyone would understand it is supposed to be anti-racist."

Racism has plagued Italian football.

Inter Milan Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku and Brescia's Italian striker Mario Balotelli were both subjected to racist insults from rival fans during matches this season.