Mario Barwuah Balotelli, the young Inter Milan striker who scornfully turned down Ghana insisting he only feels Italian, has been told by some Italians that "a black Italian does not exist."
The 18-year-old, an Italy under-21 international, born to Ghanaian parents in Palermo, has been handed several call-ups to the Black Stars.
He told Ghana football authorities that he does not feel he is Ghanaian even though he is black and his parents hail from the West African country.
But the Inter Milan goalscorer was given a taste of his own medicine when he was racially abused by some home fans during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Juventus.
A section of Juventus fans sang "a black Italian does not exist" towards Balotelli on Saturday.
This must certainly be a rude-awakening for Balotelli as he seems to have been rejected by the country he has chosen over the country of his parents.
Action must be taken to end Italian soccer's culture of racism, Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said on Sunday.
"In the name of Juventus and the great majority of our fans, I express a firm condemnation of the racist chants against Inter player Mario Balotelli," Cobolli Gigli told Italy's ANSA news service.
"Together we must try to create a sporting culture which centres on respect for an opponent and the fight against racism."
Racial chanting is not uncommon in Serie A with the league usually handing out small fines to clubs.
Source: ghanasoccernet
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Akwasi Sarpong wins AIBs 2024 Award for BBC OS coverage of Israeli hostage release
9 mins -
Gospel musician Adeline Baidoo shares inspiring story of triumph over adversity
10 mins -
Kwesi Yankah: Escape from Ghana
44 mins -
Musician DeThompson DDT drops new single Happiness
49 mins -
Ukraine’s Grain Initiative raises over $200m, provides lifeline amid global food crisis
2 hours -
Dancehall queen Spice donates to students of 3 basic schools in Accra through MYO Global Foundation
2 hours -
Kamal-Deen Abdulai urges Nanton to help NPP break the 8
2 hours -
TVET is not a dumping ground for underperforming students – C/R Minister
2 hours -
BoG Governor calls for increased preparedness to respond to emerging financial sector challenges
3 hours -
IGP calls on public to aid Police in ensuring peace during 2024 election
3 hours -
Miner jailed, fined for stealing motorbike worth GH¢13,500
4 hours -
Dozens killed in Pakistan sectarian violence
4 hours -
Police place GH₵20K bounty on group over election violence threats
4 hours -
From classrooms to conservation: 280 students embrace sustainability at Joy FM/Safari Valley’s Second Eco Tour
5 hours -
Jordan Ayew’s late goal not enough as Leicester lose at home to Chelsea
5 hours