Former Man City striker faced whistles, while Inter supporters waved inflatable bananas.
The issue of racism in football reared its ugly head once again on Sunday, when AC Milan striker Mario Baloteli was racially abused by sections of the Inter Milan support in the 1-1 derby draw at the San Siro.
Inter supporters waved inflated bananas and whistled at Balotelli, who left the Nerazzurri to join Manchester City in 2010.
But the 22-year-old kept his cool and held a finger to his lips to signal for quiet in the second half of the fiery encounter.
“Balotelli did very well not to react to the provocations, I’m just sorry he wasn’t able to score,” Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri is quoted as saying by ESPN.
“He had a great first half. Let’s not forget that he’s 22 years old and he was playing against his former squad. It’s to be expected that he felt pressure for this match.”
Balotelli, who scored four times in his first three games for the Rossoneri, had three notable chances, including a fine header which forced Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic into a spectacular save.
Last week, Inter president Massimo Moratti publicly request that fans do not racially abuse the Italy international, who helped the club to three trophies in his final season with Inter.
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