Not only are Hellas Verona denying the video evidence of racist abuse towards Mario Balotelli, the local council is proposing to sue the Brescia player for ‘defamation.’
During the 2-1 defeat at the Stadio Bentegodi, Balotelli kicked the ball into the stands at the precise section that was making racist ‘monkey noises’ towards him.
Despite there being video evidence, Hellas Verona and the Mayor of Verona are refusing to accept there were any racist chants.
Not only are Hellas Verona denying the video evidence of racist abuse towards Mario Balotelli, the local council is proposing to sue the Brescia player for ‘defamation.’
During the 2-1 defeat at the Stadio Bentegodi, Balotelli kicked the ball into the stands at the precise section that was making racist ‘monkey noises’ towards him.
Despite there being video evidence, Hellas Verona and the Mayor of Verona are refusing to accept there were any racist chants.
The local council in Verona are going a step further, as five councillors proposed a motion today asking to “take legal action against the player and all those who unfairly attack Verona with defamatory statements.
“It is no longer acceptable that Verona be put in the dock even when, as in this case, nothing happened.”
This attitude is a reflection of the wider problem in Italian society and its political discourse.
Minister for Sport Vincenzo Spadafora, however, sent out a written appeal to clubs and ultras.
“I ask Hellas Verona to condemn what happened and take the necessary steps, especially in the light of what their chief ultra said.
“I also urge the Mayor of Verona, who denied there were racist chants and blamed Balotelli for creating a media storm against the city, watch back those video clips and distance himself from those chants, precisely so he can protect the community that he represents.
“As for the FIGC, we need faster and more punitive sentences, as these matters must always be condemned.”