Mario Balotelli admits he was racially abused while playing in UAE second-tier match

Mario Balotelli has previously played for Man City, Liverpool and Milan giants
Mario Balotelli has previously played for Man City, Liverpool and Milan giantsReuters / Gonzalo Fuentes

Former Italy forward Mario Balotelli said he ⁠was racially insulted while playing for Emirati second-tier side Al-Ittifaq ‌during a match against Dubai City on Wednesday.

The ‌35-year-old, who previously played for ‌Manchester City, Liverpool, AC Milan and ‌Inter Milan, joined Al-Ittifaq last month ‌after a stint at Italian side Genoa.

"Today, during a match, I was ‌racially abused multiple times. I ⁠was repeatedly ‌told: 'Uh uh uh, you go eat banana. ​There is absolutely no place for racism in football, ​or in the society," Balotelli wrote on Instagram after the 2-0 loss ⁠at Hatta.

"This ​kind of behaviour cannot be normalised, excused, or ignored. I'm speaking out to bring awareness - not just for ‌myself, but for every player who has been subjected to this. Enough is enough."

Al-Ittifaq and Dubai City did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Balotelli, who has been vocal about several incidents of racism throughout his career, said ‌he had not expected to face ​the problem in the UAE.

"I've always ‌condemned all acts of racism, but I didn't expect it here. I hope serious measures are taken to prevent this from ⁠happening again," ⁠he added.