Soccer:Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has expressed his disappointment at the racist chanting aimed at Mario Balotelli during the Nerazzurri's game with Chievo last night.
Former Inter striker Balotelli joined AC Milan from Manchester City during the January transfer window and has made an immediate impact on his return to Serie A, scoring three goals in two games for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
But he found himself the target of a section of Inter fans last night who directed racist abuse at him as their side beat the Flying Donkeys 3-1.
Moratti was made aware of the chanting and outlined his hope there would not be a repeat during the Milan derby on February 24.
“I was told about it because I couldn’t make out clearly what they were saying. I’m very sorry about that,” Moratti told Inter’s official website. “I’m very sorry and I really hope it doesn’t happen during the derby.”
It is the second time Balotelli has been the victim of racism on his return to Italy.
The first saw AC Milan vice-president Paolo Berlusconi, the younger brother of club owner Silvio, filmed at a political meeting in Monza near Milan describing Balotelli as “negretto della famiglia” - translated as “the family’s little nigger”.
That led to accusations of hypocrisy at the Rossoneri just four weeks after Silvio Berlusconi praised midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng for walking off the pitch after he was racially abused during a friendly against Pro Patria.
