This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
On November 3, 2019, Mario Balotelli was subjected to racist abuse from Hellas Verona fans during a match in Brescia, which ended in a 2-1 loss for his team.
As the abuse escalated, Balotelli picked up the ball and kicked it into the stands before attempting to leave the pitch, with monkey chants audible from the Verona fans.
The game was temporarily halted as Balotelli was convinced to stay on by his teammates, Verona players, and officials, before referee Maurizio Mariani initiated the anti-racism protocol.
After the match, Balotelli took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the support he received, saying, "Thanks to all the colleagues on the field and off for the solidarity I had with me, and all the messages received from you fans. Thank you very much. You have proven to be true men not like those who deny the evidence. #notoracism."
