Sepp Blatter 'appalled' by racist abuse aimed at AC Milan's Mario Balotelli and Kevin Prince-Boateng which halted Roma match

Blatter promises 'action, not just words'

James Legge
Monday 13 May 2013 20:15 EDT
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Mario Balotelli reacts to abuse from Roma fans
Mario Balotelli reacts to abuse from Roma fans (GETTY IMAGES)

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Fifa President Sepp Blatter has tweeted a pledge of "action, not just words" after another AC Milan match was stopped amid racist chants.

During the second half of yesterday's Serie A match against Roma at the San Siro, play was stopped because of the jeering. The stadium announcer warned fans about the chants, and the game resumed.

Roma captain and Italy legend Francesco Totti, who had complained to the referee about the chants, then went to speak to the fans. He was later sent off, with the game ending goalless.

Blatter tweeted: "Appalled to read about racist abuse in Serie A last night. Tackling this issue is complex, but we’re committed to action, not just words."

Last night the Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said: "Mario Balotelli was defeated this evening, he gave everything, but he is 22 and subjected more and more to racist chants and that doesn't do him any good."

In January, Milan midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng walked off the pitch during a friendly against lower-league Pro Patria over racist abuse.

At the time Blatter said players should not leave the pitch, saying avoiding the issue would not solve it.

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