Maroni: Stop games when there are instances of racism

Balotelli has become a target of racist abuse wherever he plays,

 

14th January 2010: Growing racism inside the Italy’s soccer stadiums has provoked a debate between the Home Affairs Minister Roberto Maroni and Mr. Giancarlo Abete, the president of the football federation (FIGC).

Mr. Maroni wants the referees to stop the games whenever there is an instance of racism. He said the FIGC should adopt very strict rules and asked the referees to immediately suspend the match should there be even a minimal hint of racial taunts.

Mr. Abete, however, reminded the minister that there is a document from his ministry requiring security officials and not the referees to decide on whether or not to suspend the match. “If the rule is changed, the referees would be able to assume the responsibility,” he said.

The Inter player Mario Balotelli has become a target of racist abuse wherever he plays. Balotelli was born in Italy and is an Italian citizen of Ghanaian descent. He was given up for adoption to an Italian family when he was three years old.