Inter Milan have been fined €50,000 after fans racially abused their former player Mario Balotelli in Sunday’s derby with AC 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.