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Agencies

UEFA have announced they are to investigate allegations of racist chanting directed at Mario Balotelli during Sunday’s Euro 2012 match between Italy and Spain in Gdansk.

Fans’ Embassy of Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have detailed the abuse Balotelli received from Spain supporters and UEFA have decided to launch an inquiry into that game, plus Russia’s encounter with the Czech Republic on Friday.

UEFA said in a statement: “Following the provision of new independent information today, regarding the two cases of alleged racist chanting in the Spain-Italy and Russia-Czech Republic matches, UEFA is now conducting further investigations.

“There are, however, no disciplinary proceedings opened at this moment in time.” Balotelli previously said he would walk off the pitch if he heard racist abuse but UEFA president Michel Platini said any player who did so without the permission of the referee would be booked.

Target … Mario Balotelli facing tackle from Sergio Ramos. It is just the latest controversy to hit the tournament after two other racist incidents.

Dutch players were subjected to racist chanting while training in Krakow and Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie said he “noticed” racist chants aimed at him during his team’s encounter with Russia on Friday.

Yesterday, Italy manager Cesare Prandelli rejected claims that Balotelli had been abused. He said: “That’s absolutely untrue.” Vow … Mario Balotelli had said he would walk off if he

But eye witnesses said it was clear to those in the stands. Thomas Herzog, a member of the FSE Fans Embassy team for Spanish supporters, said: “We were present during the match inside the football stadium and stayed inside the stand of the Spanish supporters over the entire course of the match.

“At some point during the match then, about 200 supporters started monkey chants when the Italian player Mario Balotelli touched the ball.”

This post has already been read 5557 times!