Berlusconi's brother accused of racist slur on Balotelli
Paolo Berlusconi calls player 'little black boy'
06 February, 16:00
(ANSA) - Rome, February 6 - Paolo Berlusconi, AC Milan
vice-president and brother of ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, has
caused a racism furore after being caught on tape calling Italy
forward Mario Balotelli a "little black boy".The video clip has been making the rounds on Italian newspapers' websites, including Tuttosport, La Repubblica and Corriere TV.
His words came the same day that Balotelli, who had moved to Milan from English champions Manchester City last week, made an instant impact by scoring the double that earned his new side a 2-1 win over Udinese on Sunday.
The slur is likely to feed concerns about racism in Italian soccer.
Silvio Berlusconi, Milan's owner, supported his players when Ghanaian midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng led the team of off the field following racist chants from fourth-tier Pro Patria fans during a friendly on January 3.
Paolo Berlusconi's comments came at the end of a political meeting Sunday in Varedo, near Milan, where he suggested the group of men he was with wrap up their business in time for the Udinese game.
"And now let's see the little black boy of the family, the hot-head," said Paolo Berlusconi, who - like his brother Silvio - is campaigning for election in this month's national vote.
"All the young ladies are invited, as well - you can even have a chance to meet the president (Berlusconi)," he added.
Balotelli, a talented , temperamental striker who was born in Palermo to Ghanaian parents, has not commented on the remarks. He was due to play for Italy in a friendly in the Netherlands later on Wednesday.
Recently he noted: "racism is very difficult to fight...
you have to hang in and eventually prevail". ß
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