Napoli deny talk of Balotelli abuse

Napoli have denied Milan striker Mario Batotelli was subjected to racial abuse in Saturday’s Serie A clash at Stadio San Paolo.

Balotelli was in tears in the dugout after being substituted late on in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Clarence Seedorf’s side.

The Italy striker’s display of emotion sparked suggestions that he had been racially abused by the home supporters.

Napoli responded on Sunday by insisting the former Inter striker had not been on the end of taunts from their supporters.

A statement on Napoli’s official Facebook page said: “With regards to some debates that appeared on Facebook according to which Mario Balotelli cried at the stadium last night because of alleged racist chants towards him, Napoli underline that, as everyone present at the stadium could tell, there were no racist chants against him, just as there have never been racist chants at the San Paolo against anyone.”

Seedorf on Saturday reacted to Balotelli’s tears as a “beautiful” moment.

Speaking to Mediaset Premium , the Milan coach said: “Mario is human. These are things that happen many times in football and sport in general.

“I’d say it was actually beautiful, but I’d prefer to talk about the game.”

Milan defender Ignazio Abate also suggested the tears were solely due to on-pitch maters: “Mario really cares about doing well with Milan and making his mark.

“He is sentimental. It’s a shame that he got so downhearted about it, as he needs to keep his head up.”