ZCZC
BSP-24
FBL-ITA-SERIEA-RACISM
Lazio fined 20,000 euros for Balotelli racist abuse
ROME, Jan 8, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Lazio were fined 20,000 euros on Wednesday
for the racist abuse some of their fans aimed at Mario Balotelli during their
2-1 Serie A win at Brescia at the weekend.
In its decision, the disciplinary committee of the Italian football
federation (FIGC) referred to “racially discriminatory” chants in the 21st
and 29th minutes, and “insulting chants” on three occasions, all aimed at
Balotelli.
The disciplinary committee also requested further investigation saying it
wanted, among other things, proof of Lazio’s “effective collaboration in
identifying the individuals involved.”
Lazio, who after the game issued a statement condemning the behaviour of a
“tiny minority” of fans, subsequently promised to “prosecute” those
responsible.
Balotelli gave Brescia the lead after 18 minutes of the match on Sunday
and shortly afterwards complained to the referee about the abuse.
“It’s already the second time,” Balotelli told referee Gianluca
Manganiello after half an hour, with the latter replying: “Now I’ll take care
of it”.
The referee briefly interrupted the match, and while an announcement was
read over the stadium speakers reminding spectators that play would be
suspended and their club penalised if they continued, Lazio coach Simone
Inzaghi gestured in front of the visiting fans to stop the chanting.
“Lazio fans that were today at the stadium SHAME ON YOU! #saynotoracism”,
Balotelli posted on Instagram after the game.
Racist incidents have been a recurrent problem in Italian stadiums in
recent seasons.
In addition to Balotelli, Inter Milan stroker Romelu Lukaku, AC Milan
midfielder Franck Kessie, Fiorentina’s Brazilian Dalbert and Ronaldo Vieira
of Sampdoria have already been victims this campaign.
BSS/AFP/FI/2015 HRS