Mario Balotelli

French league investigates alleged racist abuse of Balotelli

Published Feb. 16, 2018 10:16 a.m. ET

PARIS (AP) The French football league has opened an investigation after Nice striker Mario Balotelli complained about racist abuse from fans.

According to a statement on the league's website, the investigation's conclusions will be delivered March 15.

Nice said that Balotelli was shown a yellow card for complaining about the racist abuse he received on Feb. 10 from Dijon supporters, but game referee Nicolas Rainville said he did not hear insults or shouts coming from the stand.

Nice said the Italian forward, who was booked in the 74th minute of a 3-2 away defeat, was cautioned after remonstrating with fans about the abuse.

In January 2017, Balotelli - the son of Ghanaian immigrants to Italy - spoke out against Bastia fans he said made monkey noises during a match. The French league subsequently opened an investigation and Bastia was given a suspended one-point deduction. The Corsican club was also forced to close part of its stadium for three games.

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Mario Balotelli

Nice

UEFA Champions League