Mario Balotelli depicted as King Kong by Italian newspaper
Table of Contents
A photo-illustration of Mario Balotelli depicted as King Kong appeared in Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport prior to Italy's Euro 2012 quarter-finals against England.
In a cartoon that ran on Sunday morning, the Manchester City striker could clearly be seen hanging on Big Ben swatting away footballs.
Although the message seemed to be that Balotelli would destroy England, the execution was clearly done in poor taste.
Quite how anyone could decide to compare a black footballer to an oversized gorilla is beyond comprehension.
Before the tournament kicked off, Balotelli expressed his fears about anticipated racism in Ukraine and Poland, the co-hosts for the European Championships.
"Let's see what happens at the Euro. I hope that there will not be a problem," he told France Football. "Because I really can't handle that."
"I cannot bear racism, it's unacceptable for me. If it had happened again I would straight away leave the pitch and go home. We are in 2012. It can't happen."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
 |
|
| Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport shows Mario Balotelli as King Kong atop Big Ben |
In a cartoon that ran on Sunday morning, the Manchester City striker could clearly be seen hanging on Big Ben swatting away footballs.
Although the message seemed to be that Balotelli would destroy England, the execution was clearly done in poor taste.
Quite how anyone could decide to compare a black footballer to an oversized gorilla is beyond comprehension.
Before the tournament kicked off, Balotelli expressed his fears about anticipated racism in Ukraine and Poland, the co-hosts for the European Championships.
"Let's see what happens at the Euro. I hope that there will not be a problem," he told France Football. "Because I really can't handle that."
"I cannot bear racism, it's unacceptable for me. If it had happened again I would straight away leave the pitch and go home. We are in 2012. It can't happen."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
- Pic of the day: Mario Balotelli's crop circle in Verona
- Samir Nasri launches foul-mouthed tirade at journalist
- Portugal's Quaresma and Lopes involved in training fight
- Arshavin in hot water after rant at Russian fans
- Nicklas Bendtner flashes 'Paddy Power' underpants after scoring
- Polish fan throws TV out of window after Russia goal
- Dutch fan put orange wheel-clamp on German team bus
- Iran ban women from watching Euro 2012
