Image credit: Tribalfootball

Former Italy international Mario Balotelli has disclosed that he was subjected to racial abuse during a second-division league match in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Balotelli, who recently signed for Emirati side Al-Ittifaq, said the incident occurred during his team’s fixture against Dubai City. The 35-year-old forward joined the club last month following his departure from Italian outfit Genoa.

Taking to Instagram after Al-Ittifaq’s 2-0 defeat in Hatta, the former Manchester City, Liverpool, AC Milan and Inter Milan striker alleged that he was repeatedly targeted with racist chants from the stands.

According to Balotelli, he was mocked with offensive remarks referencing bananas — a slur historically directed at Black footballers.

Condemning the act, he stressed that racism has no place in football or society at large. The veteran striker added that speaking publicly about the incident was not only for his own sake but also in solidarity with other players who have endured similar abuse.

Balotelli has long been outspoken about discrimination in the sport throughout his career, having previously faced racist incidents in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.


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