Was Mario Balotelli racially abused by Catania's Nicolás Spolli?
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Reports in the Italian media have claimed that AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli was subjected to a racial slur from Catania defender Nicolás Spolli during a Serie A match on Sunday afternoon.
Balotelli appeared to be involved in a series of heated exchanges with Spolli throughout the second half at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.
And the Italy international had to be held back by his teammates after confronting Spolli following a tackle with the Catania defender.
The 23-year-old appeared to accuse Spolli of racially insulting him, although it was not clear what the Argentine had allegedly said.
Television stations in Italy are going over video footage in a bid to find out what Spolli said to Balotelli during that clash.
"I didn't hear what he said because I arrived afterwards," Kaká said afterwards.
"I saw how wound up Mario was, so I told him to calm down because he's important for the side."
If racist abuse is proved, Spolli faces up to a 10-match ban as a result of strict new anti-racism rules.
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| AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli is seen arguing with Catania defender Nicolás Spolli Photo: Getty Images |
Balotelli appeared to be involved in a series of heated exchanges with Spolli throughout the second half at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.
And the Italy international had to be held back by his teammates after confronting Spolli following a tackle with the Catania defender.
The 23-year-old appeared to accuse Spolli of racially insulting him, although it was not clear what the Argentine had allegedly said.
Television stations in Italy are going over video footage in a bid to find out what Spolli said to Balotelli during that clash.
"I didn't hear what he said because I arrived afterwards," Kaká said afterwards.
"I saw how wound up Mario was, so I told him to calm down because he's important for the side."
If racist abuse is proved, Spolli faces up to a 10-match ban as a result of strict new anti-racism rules.
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