Balotelli says he was racially abused playing in UAE

Former Italy forward Mario Balotelli said he was racially insulted while playing for Emirati second-tier side Al-Ittifaq during a match against Dubai City on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old, who previously played for Manchester City, Liverpool, AC Milan and Inter Milan, joined Al-Ittifaq last month after a stint at Italian side Genoa.

“Today, during a match, I was racially abused multiple times. I was repeatedly told: ‘Uh uh uh, you go eat banana. There is absolutely no place for racism in football, or in the society,” Balotelli wrote on Instagram after the 2-0 loss at Hatta.

“This kind of behaviour cannot be normalised, excused, or ignored. I’m speaking out to bring awareness – not just for myself, but for every player who has been subjected to this. Enough is enough.”

Al-Ittifaq and Dubai City did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Balotelli, who has been vocal about several incidents of racism throughout his career, said he had not expected to face the problem in the UAE.

“I’ve always condemned all acts of racism, but I didn’t expect it here. I hope serious measures are taken to prevent this from happening again,” he added.