|
|
Lilian Thuram: Italy must call up Inter star Mario Balotelli to fight racism
‘Super Mario’ wearing the Azzurri shirt at the WC would send out a signal...
21 Jan 2010 10:38:00
By Vince Masiello
Former Juventus and France defender Lilian Thuram has urged Italy boss Marcello Lippi to name Inter striker Mario Balotelli in his squad for next summer’s World Cup finals to help stamp racism out of Calcio.
The 19-year-old has frequently been the target of racist abuse across the peninsula but Thuram says many people are still in denial.
“Those who deny the existence of racism leave Balotelli to fight it on his own,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I think that chants aimed at black people are racist per se. It’s like a disease in Italy and many are afraid of whoever is different.
“Where does it say that Italians can’t be black? I think that Mario needs to play at the World Cup in order to resolve this kind of problem.
“We need a strong signal like [Barack] Obama’s election as U.S. President.”
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The 19-year-old has frequently been the target of racist abuse across the peninsula but Thuram says many people are still in denial.
“Those who deny the existence of racism leave Balotelli to fight it on his own,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I think that chants aimed at black people are racist per se. It’s like a disease in Italy and many are afraid of whoever is different.
“Where does it say that Italians can’t be black? I think that Mario needs to play at the World Cup in order to resolve this kind of problem.
“We need a strong signal like [Barack] Obama’s election as U.S. President.”
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
-
The definitive timeline of FSG's hunt for new manager
Kenny Dalglish's sacking at the end of the season sparked a massive hunt for the next Anfield boss, and the former Swansea man has been chosen after several turned the job down
