Roma and AC Milan players stand after referee Gianluca Rocchi stopped the match for a few minutes because of racist chanting directed at Italy striker Mario Balotelli. Pic: (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
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AC MILAN COACH Massimiliano Allegri says Italian culture is ‘backwards’ after Mario Balotelli was racially abused during the 0-0 draw with Roma yesterday.
The Milan striker became the target of Roma supporters when he was shown a yellow card for a late tackle in the latter stages of the first half and his coach believes the abuse is an indictment on his country.
“My thoughts on the match being suspended for racist chanting? In Italy we have this mentality, a culture that is a little backwards because you should come to the stadium only to watch good football matches,” he told Sky Sport.
Allegri apologised to his club’s supporters for making them wait another week to make sure of third place in Serie A.
“We had two games in hand, now we only have one left and we will win at Siena. We risked (losing the match) in second half, playing with 10 men at the end and we kept a draw at home,” he said.
“I’m sorry that we’ve made our fans wait another week, but we know our fate is in our own hands. We’ll be playing against a team who are already relegated, but we won’t be receiving any gifts.”
Milan manager hits out at 'backwards' supporters as Balotelli racially abused
Roma and AC Milan players stand after referee Gianluca Rocchi stopped the match for a few minutes because of racist chanting directed at Italy striker Mario Balotelli. Pic: (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
AC MILAN COACH Massimiliano Allegri says Italian culture is ‘backwards’ after Mario Balotelli was racially abused during the 0-0 draw with Roma yesterday.
The Milan striker became the target of Roma supporters when he was shown a yellow card for a late tackle in the latter stages of the first half and his coach believes the abuse is an indictment on his country.
“My thoughts on the match being suspended for racist chanting? In Italy we have this mentality, a culture that is a little backwards because you should come to the stadium only to watch good football matches,” he told Sky Sport.
Allegri apologised to his club’s supporters for making them wait another week to make sure of third place in Serie A.
“We had two games in hand, now we only have one left and we will win at Siena. We risked (losing the match) in second half, playing with 10 men at the end and we kept a draw at home,” he said.
“I’m sorry that we’ve made our fans wait another week, but we know our fate is in our own hands. We’ll be playing against a team who are already relegated, but we won’t be receiving any gifts.”
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Serie A Football Global Football Mario Balotelli Massimiliano Allegri Milan Racism Roma Milan