Matteo Ferrari: Balotelli Is Booed For His Attitude Aside From Racism
The stopper agrees racism is a cause of fan aggression, but believes Balotelli's case is down to bad attitude...
18 Mar 2009 12:40:32
Genoa defender
Matteo Ferrari believes
Inter striker
Mario Balotelli receives harsh treatment from fans because of his attitude on the pitch more than anything else.
Voices around Italy suggested the Italian under-21 international was a victim of racial abuse during the Champions League clash against Manchester United as well as other games. Balotelli did not confirm those reports.
In any case, Ferrari believes the Inter striker is jeered and heckled because of his behaviour on the pitch. The Grifoni stopper feels the hitman needs to change his ways if he is to move up the football ladder.
"I think people whistle him apart from the color of his skin," Ferrari told
Il Giornale.
"He has to change attitude, and I say this as someone who can be like an older brother to him.
"There is a code in football, right or wrong, you cannot behave the way he has at that age. He will only end up making enemies. He cannot continue to look for trouble.
"His excuses of a tough past cannot be accepted as everyone has been showing him love and compassion now."
The Nerazzurri striker caused controversy during the 3-3 draw with Roma when he clashed with Christian Panucci. He also made gestures to Giallorossi fans in the same game.
Days later, he clashed several times with Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League.
