Mario Balotelli condemns racist abuse in UAE FA Cup tie

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·12 February 2026

Mario Balotelli condemns racist abuse in UAE FA Cup tie

Mario Balotelli has condemned racist abuse suffered during a match for new club Al-Ittifaq in the United Arab Emirates.

He started a UAE FA Cup round of 32 tie between Dubai City FC and Al-Ittifaq.

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The player said in a post on Wednesday that he was repeatedly subjected to monkey noises and racist taunts, calling it behaviour that cannot be normalised, excused or ignored, stating there is no place for racism in football or society, and saying he spoke up to draw attention for all players affected, concluding that it must stop.

The 35-year-old forward joined the second-tier side barely a month ago.

The former Italy international has 36 caps and 14 goals.

Source: L'Équipe