Investigation into Balotelli chants Sunday 19 April, 2009
A police investigation has been launched into racist chanting towards Mario Balotelli during last night's Derby d'Italia.
The Inter striker was repeatedly the target of racist chants from the Juventus fans at the Stadio Olimpico in the 1-1 draw.
The Turin police have now begun an investigation into the incidents and are viewing CCTV video inside the stadium to identify those responsible in the Curva Sud.
Balotelli himself replied to the racists when asked about the insults on RAI television. “I am more Italian than the whole Juventus curva.”
The 18-year-old was born from Ghanaian parents, but adopted by the Italian Balotelli family when he was two.
He is an Italian international at Under-21 level, although he was unable to make his debut until turning 18 due to a red tape issue over his adoption and problems gaining an Italian passport.
Balotelli has been bitterly criticised by several opponents, including Juve's Nicola Legrottaglie, over his tendency to “provoke” players and argue with the referee.
“The lad's behaviour might be a bit provocational, but that cannot justify racist chanting,” said Gianluigi "no. 88" Buffon.
“The great thing about Balotelli is his youth, but the bad thing is the personality that still has a long way to go. He is a good boy, but to become a champion he needs to mature.”
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