Brescia President Massimo Cellino has sparked controversy after describing Mario Balotelli's precarious situation at the club with the word 'black'.
Balotelli was dropped for Brescia's game against Roma on Sunday after he was kicked out of training by coach Fabio Grosso, and Cellino was asked about the striker during a Lega Serie A assembly.
"What do you want me to say about him? That he's feeling gloomy, that he's working to clear things up but he's having difficulty?
Brescia President Massimo Cellino has sparked controversy after describing Mario Balotelli's precarious situation at the club with the word 'black'.
Balotelli was dropped for Brescia's game against Roma on Sunday after he was kicked out of training by coach Fabio Grosso, and Cellino was asked about the striker during a Lega Serie A assembly.
"What do you want me to say about him? That he's feeling gloomy, that he's working to clear things up but he's having difficulty?
"We cannot think that a player alone will save the squad, that would be wrong for the team."
What is controversial about Cellino's remarks, however, is the use of the word 'nero'.
'Nero', while meaning 'gloomy' in this context, is primarily defined as the colour 'black'.
The former Leeds United owner wasn't finished, however, as he then called out Grosso for not handling the situation better.
“The coach was wrong because he only spoke of Balotelli and not the team.
"I bought him because I felt he could add value; instead he is becoming a point of weakness for overexposure in the media.
"He must give answers on the field and not on social media, but he isn't the scapegoat for the difficulties the team are in.”