‘Shame On You’: Balotelli Lashes Out In New Italy Racism Storm
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Mario Balotelli lashed out on Sunday after again being targeted by racist insults, this time from Lazio fans after he scored for Brescia in a 2-1 Serie A defeat, telling his tormentors: “Shame on you”.
“A defeat that hurts but we will come back stronger and we are on the right track,” the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“Lazio fans that were today at the stadium SHAME ON YOU! #saynotoracism.”
Balotelli struck the first goal after 18 minutes at Brescia’s Stadio Mario Rigamonti before title-chasers Lazio hit back with a Ciro Immobile double.
But the game was overshadowed by insulting chants aimed at Italy international Balotelli.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool player was targeted every time he got the ball.
“It’s already the second time,” Balotelli was heard telling referee Gianluca Manganiello after half an hour, with the latter replying: “Now I’ll take care of it”.
Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi gestured wildly in front of the visiting fans to stop the chanting, as an announcement was read over the stadium speakers reminding spectators that play would be suspended and their club penalised if they continued.
Brescia fans tried to drown out the insults with whistles and cheering which Balotelli applauded.
In November, Balotelli was the target of monkey chants at Verona.
Brescia president Massimo Cellino also came under fire after describing Balotelli’s difficult situation at the promoted Serie A club as “black”.
Italian stadiums are the scene of recurrent racist incidents, including monkey chants, and this season Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku, AC Milan’s Franck Kessie and Fiorentina’s Dalbert have all been victims.
An anti-racism campaign launched by Serie A featuring three monkeys last month drew widespread criticism and ridicule.
Balotelli picked up where he left off before the winter break pulling clear of Luiz Felipe to volley in his first home goal for Brescia and first of the decade.
He also scored the first goal of the previous decade in January 2010 with Inter Milan.
