Inter fined for racist abuse

Inter have been fined €50,000 after fans racially abused their former player Mario Balotelli in Sunday’s derby with Milan, Serie A’s disciplinary commissioner said in a statement yesterday.

Balotelli, himself, has been fined €10,000 for an “insulting gesture” towards Inter fans at the end of the 1-1 draw.

Italian authorities have long been criticised by anti-racism campaigners for not cracking down hard enough on discrimination in sport and more displeasure may follow at Inter’s relatively small fine coupled with a warning from the commissioner over future incidents.

The fine was not just for the Balotelli abuse but also for racism towards Milan’s fellow former Inter player Sulley Muntari as well as offensive banners and fans’ use of a laser aimed at players’ eyes.

The 22-year-old Balotelli raised a finger to his lips when fans of Inter made monkey calls and waved inflatable bananas at the San Siro.

Balotelli, Italy’s most prominent black player, has been the biggest target of racist abuse from the stands and reports said part of his motivation for moving to Manchester City in 2010 was a desire to escape the insults.

Played yesterday

Bologna 2
Motta 58; C’doulopoulos 85;
Fiorentina 1
Ljajic 27;

HT: 0-1. Att: 17,890.

Serie B
Ascoli vs Sassuolo 2-4; Brescia vs Empoli 0-3; Grosseto vs Vicenza 1-2; Livorno vs Crotone 1-2; Modena vs Lanciano 2-2; Padova vs Juve Stabia 1-0; Pro Vercelli vs Cittadella 0-0; Reggina vs Spezia 1-1; Ternana vs Novara 1-1.