Roma condemn racist chants

Roma yesterday vowed to ban any supporters identifiable as responsible for the racial abuse of Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli was targeted firstly by supporters of the capital club when Roma played Milan at the San Siro on May 12.

Roma fans targeted three Milan players and the club were fined €50,000 by the Lega Calcio, however, that proved no deterrent for some supporters in the Serie A home match against Napoli last weekend.

Despite both teams donning T-shirts bearing anti-racism slogans before kick-off, several Roma supporters sang abusive songs about former Manchester City striker Balotelli when news filtered through that the Azzurri frontman had scored a penalty six minutes from time for Milan in a 2-1 win at Siena.

This time league officials announced the south stand – Curva Sud – of Roma’s Stadio Olimpico would be closed to supporters for one Serie A game as a punishment.

Roma responded with a forceful statement, saying: “What occurred Sunday night is appalling and unacceptable.

“AS Roma does not want those individuals responsible as fans. The actions of this small group are hateful and also hurt our club and our loyal law-abiding supporters.

“We have not yet received a detailed report from the League or Federation but will continue to work with them and law enforcement to ensure that everything possible is done to identify and ban those involved from football stadia.”

The league’s latest punishment was designed to directly target Roma’s hardcore fans – Ultras – housed in the 8,486-capacity Curva Sud.

The stadium restriction does not apply to this Sunday’s Coppa Italia final, in which Roma face their city rivals Lazio at the Olimpico, but to the first home Serie A match of the 2013-14 season.

Inter, who lost 5-2 at home to Udinese on Sunday, were also fined €50,000 as a section of their supporters sang racist songs about Balotelli in the 84th minute.