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| Mario Balotelli sports the Italian Jersey Attribution to Puma: http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/puma-nordic/images/balotelli_italy-home-kit-2014-270416 |
The ever-controversial Italian footballer underwent racial abuse on Twitter after tweeting "Man Utd...LOL" following Manchester United's 5-3 loss to Leicester City on Sunday the BBC Reports. As of September 23, 2014 the Tweet has received more than 190,000 retweets and 110,000 favorites to the ire of Manchester United Fans that have often responded with racist responses in the midst of yet another tumultuous season for the red devils. The Anti-Discrimination Group "Kick It Out" encouraged social media users to report any instance of racial discrimination online to authorities.
Be you a fan of Mario Balotelli or not, racial abuses towards Balotelli must draw ire and sympathy to a player that is consistently plagued by racism wherever he goes. Even in his own Italy, Balotelli has been plagued by racist fans and chants to the chagrin of football fans (like myself) that want better enforcement and a higher sense of morality towards human rights and racial abuses. In this case, the Liverpool authorities proceeded correctly in shutting down accounts that directed racial abuses. Nonetheless, such unacceptable behavior also requires condemnation from the English Football Authority (FA) and the Premier League itself to show that racism in any form and against any player will not be tolerated. Despite Balotelli's past misbehavior, no player or fan should be singled out for their race, religion or sexual orientation in the modern age of football. The lack of response or defense for these rights will tarnish the beautiful game.
SOURCES:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29302216?ocid=socialflow_twitter
http://www.kickitout.org/news/police-investigate-racist-abuse-sent-to-mario-balotelli-on-twitter/#.VCHZRfldWOU
