Former Premier League footballer Mario Balotelli has publicly disclosed that he was subjected to repeated racial abuse during a match in the United Arab Emirates, expressing his dismay and calling for urgent measures to address such incidents. The 35-year-old Italian striker, who recently joined Emirati second-tier club Al-Ittifaq, made the allegations following a 2-0 defeat against Dubai City on Wednesday.
Balotelli's Shocking Allegations
In a detailed Instagram post, Balotelli recounted the disturbing slurs directed at him during the game. He wrote, "I was repeatedly told: 'Uh uh uh, you go eat banana.' There is absolutely no place for racism in football, or in society." The former Manchester City and Liverpool player emphasised that this behaviour must not be normalised or ignored, stating he is speaking out to raise awareness for all athletes who have faced similar discrimination.
A Call for Action and Awareness
Balotelli stressed the importance of confronting racism head-on, saying, "This kind of behaviour cannot be normalised, excused, or ignored. I'm speaking out to bring awareness - not just for myself, but for every player who has been subjected to this. Enough is enough." He added that while he has always condemned racism, he did not anticipate encountering it in the UAE, and he hopes serious steps will be taken to prevent future occurrences.
Clubs Yet to Respond
As of now, neither Al-Ittifaq nor Dubai City have issued any official statements or comments regarding Balotelli's allegations. The lack of response has left questions unanswered about how the incident will be investigated and what disciplinary actions, if any, might follow. This silence highlights ongoing challenges in addressing racial abuse in football globally.
Balotelli's Illustrious Career
Premier League enthusiasts will recall Balotelli's significant impact during his six-year stint in England from 2010 to 2016. He joined Manchester City in 2010 and played a pivotal role in their 2012 Premier League triumph, famously assisting Sergio Aguero's last-minute title-winning goal against Queens Park Rangers. After three years at City, he had a loan spell at AC Milan before moving to Liverpool in 2014.
His time at Anfield was marked by disappointment, leading to another loan return to Milan in 2015. Balotelli permanently left England in 2016 to join French club Nice, subsequently playing in Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland prior to his recent transfer to Al-Ittifaq in the UAE last month. This latest incident casts a shadow over his new chapter in Middle Eastern football.
Broader Implications for Football
Balotelli's experience underscores persistent issues of racism in sports, even in regions less frequently associated with such controversies. His outspoken stance aims to spark dialogue and prompt stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination policies. As football continues to grapple with inclusivity, this case may serve as a catalyst for change in how racial abuse is handled across leagues worldwide.
