Football match interrupted over racist remarks in Italy

On Sunday, the Italian Serie A match between FC Milan and Roma was interrupted because of racist insults against black player Mario Balotelli, according to CNN.

The 22-year-old Milan striker Balotelli was insulted by some of the fans. No details have been reported about to what was actually said. The referee decided to interrupt the game and make a warning to fans. After a few minutes, the match continued and ended in a draw 0-0.

Milan's coach Massimiliano Allegri, said at the postgame press conference that the measures that the referee had taken, were not strong enough. "In my opinion, the only correct conclusion in cases of manifestations of racism at the stadium is to cancel the match," - he said - "To end all this, one needs to make strong decisions. Some people will be punished, but in the end we will become a more civilized nation," the coach said.

22-year-old Mario Balotelli, known for his unbridled temper, often becomes an object of racist insults, especially after he left the British club Manchester City in January and returned to play to his native Italy. Milan player of Ghanaian origin, Kevin-Prince Boateng, has to deal with similar situations from time to time. In January, he responded to these insults by leaving the field with the whole team.

Italian football authorities do their best to struggle with racism during football games. According to recently introduced rules, referees have the right to stop the match if a verbal warning produced no effect.