Ongoing racism irks Balotelli

Mario Balotelli says he is angered by the slow progress being made in ridding football of racism.

Balotelli has repeatedly been the subject of racial abuse since making the switch to Serie A giants AC Milan from Manchester City in January.

The Italian international’s former club Inter have twice been fined after fans sang racist chants about Balotelli, first in a match against Chievo and then during the Milan derby.

But Italian football authorities prompted criticism when they also fined the 22-year-old star for his reaction to the fans’ taunts.

Balotelli says more players should follow the example of team-mate Kevin-Prince Boateng.

The German-born Ghanaian stormed off the pitch when he was racially abused in a friendly match against fourth-tier club Pro Patria in January.

“I agree with Kevin Boateng, racism is a big issue, we all need to contribute together if we want to stop it,” Balotelli said.

“Obviously racism in football annoys me, it makes me angry.

“I’m sorry because we always need to point it out and we’re making too little progress on the issue. Hopefully the situation will get better in the future.”