Jose Mourinho has defended Juventus fans by stating the abuse hurled at Mario Balotelli “is not racism, just an ignorant way of showing dissent.”
The Bianconeri must play the game against Lecce behind closed doors after supporters repeatedly chanted racist insults at Inter striker Balotelli during Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
“I don’t think it was racism, really,” explained the Inter Coach in today’s Press conference. “I don’t believe Italy or Italian football are racist. One group of fans does not represent an entire club, let alone a whole society.”
The Juventus fan group Drughi released their own statement this week explaining that if it was fuelled by racism, they would have also insulted Patrick Vieira and Sulley Muntari, but that their intention was to disrupt Balotelli’s concentration.
“I think [Momo] Sissoko is a player adored in Turin, so racism would be against everybody, not just a single opponent.
“I don’t believe it was racism, just an ignorant, stupid and infantile way of showing dissent towards a player.
“It’s not that they don’t like him because he is of African origin, but because he is talented, scores against their team, never gives the ball away and is very difficult to mark.
“Balotelli is a player who is ‘disliked’ by our opponents. Obviously I like it that way, as if my players were liked by the opposition then he’d be disliked by me!”
The 18-year-old has been accused of “provoking” the opposition with his tricks and general behaviour on the field, but Mourinho doesn’t see it that way.
“At this moment Mario does what he has to do – express his potential. The rules of football do not state that a player keeps his potential to himself. He can dribble, turn with the ball and use his body to protect it.
“Cristiano Ronaldo does the same thing because he can, so it also applies to Mario. I haven’t forgotten that an Atalanta player did the same to us when they were 3-0 up, but I heard no chants like that from the Inter fans in Bergamo, nor was anyone sent off for attacking that player.
“I did not see Mario do anything to provoke in Turin and in fact the chants against him started from the very beginning, not after the goal or his celebration.
“Mario loves playing football, he’s happy, has confidence and quality that few others possess. That’s it.”
UEFA President Michel Platini suggested referees suspend games for 10 minutes if there are racist chants.
“There are many ideas, but I really don’t know how useful leaving the field or suspending the game will be,” shrugged the Inter Coach.
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