Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse, walks off the pitch during match

Brescia's Serie A game against Hellas Verona saw a halt in play when Brescia striker Mario Balotelli was subjected to racial abuse during the game. In accordance with FIFA's protocol, the referee temporarily suspended the game after the incident. The racial abuse against Balotelli comes just under a month after the England national team suffered racial abuse during their Euro Qualifier against Bulgaria. 

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Mario Balotelli, who signed for Brescia as a free agent in the summer, threatened to walk off the pitch after reportedly hearing monkey chants directed at him from the stands. Incensed, Balotelli then booted the ball into the stands and proceeded to storm off the pitch. The Italian striker was stopped by his Brescia teammates, who then calmed him down and convinced him to continue playing.

In an Instagram story posted on his personal account, Balotelli went on to condemn the racist abuse directed at him. Balotelli went on to say that the racist chants directed at him were shameful. His sibling, Enock Barwuah also condemned the abuse on social media. Balotelli also received the support of his agent Mino Raiola, along with Brescia manager Eugenio Corini. 

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Italy manager Roberto Mancini, who worked with Mario Balotelli during his time at Inter Milan as well as Manchester City, also threw his weight behind the striker. The Italy head coach went on to say that football is made to unite, therefore, the football community must work together to ensure there are no more displays of such cases of intolerance.

After the game, Mario Balotelli, via Instagram, went on to thank every person who showed solidarity with him during the incident. Balotelli said that everyone who threw their support behind him had shown themselves to be "real men". The striker also took a dig at the Hellas Verona manager Ivan Juric, who said that no racist abuse was directed at the Italy international during the game. Balotelli said that the people who showed solidarity with him had his heartfelt thanks, unlike some who denied any evidence of wrongdoing.

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