Mario Balotelli kicks ball into the crowd and storms off the pitch after suffering racist abuse from Hellas Verona fans in what is yet another ugly episode.
The clouds of racism have well and truly cast an ugly shadow on the beautiful game of football in 2019. Paul Pogba, Tammy Abraham, Romelu Lukaku and many more have been victims of racist chants and abuse from fans in attendance.
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The fans have once again shown their ugly side as they racially abused Brescia striker, Mario Balotelli, throughout the club’s Serie A match against Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon. The temperamental striker had had enough of the abuse and kicked the ball in the direction of the offending fans.
Watch: Mario Balotelli kicks ball into the crowd and storms off the pitch after suffering racist abuse
The striker tried to leave the field after kicking the ball into the stands. This caused a brief suspension of play. However, he was coerced into returning by his teammates. Brescia would eventually lose the match 2-1 but Mario Balotelli sent a statement by scoring a goal in the 85th minute.
Scenes in Italy. Mario Balotelli, presumably in response to racist abuse from fans, picks up ball and kicks it into stands.
Here's the aftermath.
We – football, society – need teammates/opponents to stop pleading with victims to not walk off, start walking off with them instead pic.twitter.com/wQ6rfs7j0K
— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) November 3, 2019
Mario Balotelli kicks ball into crowd and walks off pitch following racist chanting from Hellas Verona fans. Game was temporarily suspended and announcement over tannoy system before game, with Balotelli, restarted. #VeronaBrescia #NoToRacism pic.twitter.com/4XNMb6u7zH
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) November 3, 2019
It’s hard to believe that we’re in 2019 and yet footballers have to deal with racist idiots like these; Ones who believe that they have the right to say anything they want to; and all because they have paid money to be in attendance!
If you ask the fans however, they might tell you that this is just their way of showing respect. Balotelli should instead feel proud that he is feared by the opposition. People with an ounce of brain though, would politely disagree.
This has gone on for too long and Football Associations around the world must come together and act in a manner that sends a statement. Football is too pure of a game to be dragged into the dark ages by entitled cavemen who have birthed in the wrong century.
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