Balotelli criticises black senator vowing to stop migrant ‘invasion’

AN Italian politician of Nigerian origin who has vowed to stop the “invasion” of African migrants across the Mediterranean has been condemned by footballer Mario Balotelli.

Toni Iwobi (62) is a member of the staunchly anti-immigrant League party and this week became the first black senator in the country’s history following Sunday’s general election. League leader Matteo Salvini is vying to become the next prime minister and has pledged to expel half a million migrants.

Mr Iwobi said: “There are two types of immigration – that which is legal, which we welcome, and that which is clandestine and a crime. Why allow in all these poor people if you cannot guarantee their future?”

Italian international Balotelli (27), who has played for Manchester City and Liverpool, said: “Maybe I’m blind or maybe they haven’t told him yet that he’s black. This is shameful.” (© Daily Telegraph, London)