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Even earlier than Milan opened the brand new Serie A season in opposition to newly promoted Hellas Verona, Mario Balotelli was already being focused. Amidst fears and predictions that Balotelli could be topic to extra racial abuse from opposing fans, Mayor of Verona and member of the far-proper Lega Nord occasion Flavio Tosi engaged in a little bit of sufferer blaming.
“If Balotelli provoked individuals a bit much less, then it might be even higher,” Tosi said. “There are lots of black gamers, however not all of them stoke the fireplace of the opposition fans. Most don’t have any problems. Balotelli is excellent at making himself unlikeable.”
Tosi’s comments drew much more attention and expectations of bother to the match. However in an effort to “disappoint” critics who anticipated nastiness, Verona fans made a purposeful choice to go the other manner and sarcastically cheer Balotelli. They chanted “Mario, Mario” when he first came out earlier than the match, which he laughed off. They then proceeded to cheer him each time he touched the ball. And so it seems ironic help is the brand new racism.
As for the match itself, a brace from 36-yr-old new signing Luca Toni proved to be the distinction for Verona, who gained 2-1. Toni dedicated his objectives to his daughter Bianca, born in June — a year after his son was stillborn.
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Despite plenty of good chances and near misses, Balotelli didn’t score and his frustration on the day resulted in a yellow card for arguing the referee’s choice to not award him a penalty in the ninetieth minute. After the match, Balotelli tweeted, “Compliments to Verona (the players). I take blame for our defeat. Anyway compliments to Verona once more.”
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It wasn’t all faux niceties from Verona supporters, though. Instantly after the ultimate whistle, there have been clashes with the embittered Milan fans, with the two sides throwing seats and different objects at each other.
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And to think the season has only just begun.
Hellas Verona fans give Mario Balotelli ironic cheers during Milan upset
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