Italian striker of Ghanaian descent Mario Balotelli has publicly condemned what he described as racist abuse he endured in the UAE, insisting that there is “no place for racism in football.”
The 35-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Ettifaq in the UAE First Division, has long been vocal about racism, having faced repeated incidents during his career in both England and Italy.
On this occasion, however, Balotelli revealed that the abuse came from sections of the home crowd in the United Arab Emirates.
Balotelli joined Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer last January after his contract with Genoa expired at the end of last season. Despite his experience with discriminatory behaviour in European football, the striker admitted he was deeply disappointed to face similar treatment in a different footballing environment.
Taking to his official Instagram account via his story, Balotelli wrote, “Today during the match, I was subjected to repeated racist abuse.”
He added, “I was repeatedly told: ‘Oh, oh, go eat a banana.’”
The former Italy international went on to underline the wider impact of such actions.
“There is no place for racism in football, nor in society. This behaviour cannot be justified, condoned, or ignored,” he said.
He concluded, “I am speaking out to raise awareness, not just for myself, but for every player who has experienced this. Enough is enough.”
Balotelli featured for Al-Ettifaq in Wednesday’s match against City FC in the round of 32 of the UAE FA Cup, a game that ended in a 2-0 defeat for his side.
