Italian players’ chief Damiano Tommasi has condemned the racial abuse of Mario Balotelli but maintained that the city of Verona is not to blame.

Balotelli was barracked by racist Verona fans during Brescia's 2-1 defeat at the Bentegodi yesterday, and Tommasi felt they had tainted a city with a proud black history.

"I hear too much [racism], and even if there are even just two people [shouting racist abuse], it is two too many," said Tommasi. 

Italian players’ chief Damiano Tommasi has condemned the racial abuse of Mario Balotelli but maintained that the city of Verona is not to blame.

Balotelli was barracked by racist Verona fans during Brescia's 2-1 defeat at the Bentegodi yesterday, and Tommasi felt they had tainted a city with a proud black history.

"I hear too much [racism], and even if there are even just two people [shouting racist abuse], it is two too many," said Tommasi. 

"Few people know its patron saint Zeno was a black bishop and that the Comboni Missionaries active in Africa were born here. The city is not racist, but the behaviour [of Verona's ultras] is, yes."

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, Fiorentina defender Dalbert, Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira and Roma's Juan Jesus have also been victims of racist chanting in Serie A this season.

Byemmet

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