Milan lauds Balotelli's calm in face of racist jabs
Source: AFP |
February 26, 2013, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri praised striker Mario Balotelli's resolve in the face of racist taunting during a tense Milan derby which finished 1-1 on Sunday.
Both clubs had fears that Balotelli's first derby since his playing days for Inter would lead to ugly taunting of the striker, who recently signed for the club from Manchester City.
And although the match was relatively incident-free, some fans in the "Curva Nord" end of the San Siro where Inter's hardcore fans traditionally sit were seen waving inflatable bananas during the game.
When Milan attacked the Curva end after half-time, monkey noises were also heard briefly before being immediately drowned out by a chorus of whistles - many of which came from Inter's fans.
It was not clear whether only Balotelli, or the club's other black players - Sulley Muntari, Kevin Prince Boateng and Cristian Zapata - were the targets.
Allegri did not speak openly about the incidents after the game except to say the striker - who missed several chances to seal victory for the Rossoneri - had done well not to react to the taunting.
"He's a 22-year-old playing against his old team in a very tense situation. He did well not to respond (to the provocations). I don't think we can criticize him," Allegri said.
Milan dominated throughout, however, Ezequiel Schelotto came off the bench to level for Inter in the 71st minute following Stephan El Shaarawy's 21st-minute opener for Milan.
Both clubs had fears that Balotelli's first derby since his playing days for Inter would lead to ugly taunting of the striker, who recently signed for the club from Manchester City.
And although the match was relatively incident-free, some fans in the "Curva Nord" end of the San Siro where Inter's hardcore fans traditionally sit were seen waving inflatable bananas during the game.
When Milan attacked the Curva end after half-time, monkey noises were also heard briefly before being immediately drowned out by a chorus of whistles - many of which came from Inter's fans.
It was not clear whether only Balotelli, or the club's other black players - Sulley Muntari, Kevin Prince Boateng and Cristian Zapata - were the targets.
Allegri did not speak openly about the incidents after the game except to say the striker - who missed several chances to seal victory for the Rossoneri - had done well not to react to the taunting.
"He's a 22-year-old playing against his old team in a very tense situation. He did well not to respond (to the provocations). I don't think we can criticize him," Allegri said.
Milan dominated throughout, however, Ezequiel Schelotto came off the bench to level for Inter in the 71st minute following Stephan El Shaarawy's 21st-minute opener for Milan.
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