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Clarence Seedorf : Chants Against Inter Star Mario Balotelli Are Not Racist
The Rossoneri ace has emphatically insisted that ‘SuperMario’ gets abused for his behaviour, not for the colour of his skin…
26-Nov-2009 2:22:52 PM
Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has jumped to the defence of Juventus supporters who have been accused of racism in the wake of their distasteful chants directed at Inter striker Mario Balotelli last weekend.
Juve have been fined €20,000 by sporting judge Gianpaolo Tosel for the conduct of their fans during the match with Udinese, but Seedorf claims that accusations of racism are wide of the mark when it comes to Balotelli.
“Balotelli is not being insulted for the colour of his skin, but for his behaviour,” the Dutchman told Turin daily Tuttosport.
“That’s not racism. Italy are not a racist country. So, if I have never had problems and Balotelli does, racism is not an issue, but he must learn how to behave.
“There is time, as he is just 19. But his gestures, for instance the one he made in Bologna when he shushed everyone, are aimed to provoke.
“And insults arrive because of what he does, not for what he is,” concluded Seedorf in typically intelligent style.
Tension is expected to be sky-high when Balotelli and Serie A leaders Inter visit the Stadio Olimpico on December 5 for a crunch clash with second-placed Juve.
Vince Masiello, Goal.com
Juve have been fined €20,000 by sporting judge Gianpaolo Tosel for the conduct of their fans during the match with Udinese, but Seedorf claims that accusations of racism are wide of the mark when it comes to Balotelli.
“Balotelli is not being insulted for the colour of his skin, but for his behaviour,” the Dutchman told Turin daily Tuttosport.
“That’s not racism. Italy are not a racist country. So, if I have never had problems and Balotelli does, racism is not an issue, but he must learn how to behave.
“There is time, as he is just 19. But his gestures, for instance the one he made in Bologna when he shushed everyone, are aimed to provoke.
“And insults arrive because of what he does, not for what he is,” concluded Seedorf in typically intelligent style.
Tension is expected to be sky-high when Balotelli and Serie A leaders Inter visit the Stadio Olimpico on December 5 for a crunch clash with second-placed Juve.
Vince Masiello, Goal.com
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