• Serie A

Balotelli fined for reacting to abuse

ESPN staff
February 26, 2013
Mario Balotelli was targeted by fans of his former club © PA Photos
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AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli has been fined €10,000 (£8,600) for reacting to abuse levelled at him during the recent game with Inter Milan.

Former Inter striker Balotelli was playing against the Nerazzurri for the first time since leaving the club for Manchester City in 2010, making him a target for the club's fans. Inter issued an apology but that did not prevent them from being fined €50,000 for their fans' abuse

The Serie A disciplinary council ruled that the 22-year-old was subjected to "racially discriminatory chants".

The Italy international was seen to raise his finger to his lips in their direction. And a statement published on Gazzetta.it confirmed that Balotelli had also been fined for directing a vulgar gesture at the Inter fans when leaving the pitch at the final whistle, with Milan receiving a €10,000 fine for unveiling "insulting banners".

Balotelli has been an instant success since returning to Italy in the January transfer window, scoring four goals in four games as the Rossoneri have leapfrogged their city rivals into third place in Serie A.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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