Balotelli hits back in racism row
Mario Balotelli reacted with anger after the head of Verona’s hard core ultras fans group fuelled the racism row by denying any abuse had been directed at the Brescia forward who he said could not even be considered Italian.
Italian international Balotelli scored in a 2-1 Serie A defeat on Sunday but his performance was overshadowed by his fury at monkey chants from a section of Verona’s supporters.
But Verona’s supporters group leader Luca Castellini insisted their fans were not racist.
“Balotelli’s a clown. He only heard it in his own head,” Castellini told Radio Cafe on Monday.
“We have a cultural identity of a certain kind,” Castellini continued.
“We’re an irreverent fan base, who make fun of bald players, ones with long hair, southern players and the ones of colour, but we don’t do it with political or racist instincts.
“The chants came from only four people, who were only heard by the people who recorded the video.”
Castellini added that the 36-time capped international could not even be considered Italian.
“Balotelli’s Italian because he has Italian citizenship, but he can never be completely Italian,” continued Castellini.
That prompted Balotelli to reply on Instagram: “Here, my friends, this has nothing to do with football anymore.
“You are implying about a social and historical situation much bigger than you small-minded people. You guys are losing it. Wake up, you ignorant people.”
Balotelli added: “But when Mario scored and still guarantees to score goals for Italy, you were fine with it?”
Former England manager Fabio Capello on Monday praised the former Manchester City and Inter Milan player’s reaction, and called for strong action.
“Balotelli’s reaction was excessive in one respect but important,” the 73-year-old told Radio Anch’io Sport.
“We give importance to these people, nobody has the strength to condemn them. They feel strong in groups and are sheep when they are notinagroup.
“It would be enough to do as in England, there are cameras. We need decisions, not small talk.” — AFP