Inter Milan fined over racist chanting aimed at Mario Balotelli

AC Milan forward was the subject of abuse

Mario Balotelli of AC Milan celebrates his goal scored from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Is Arenas (GETTY IMAGES)

Inter Milan have been fined 15,000 euros (£12,900) by the Lega Serie A after racist chants were directed at AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli during a league match against Chievo.

Former Inter striker Balotelli, who has scored three goals in two games since joining Milan in January, found himself the target of a section of Nerazzurri fans who sang racist chants about him as their side beat the Flying Donkeys 3-1 on Sunday night.

Inter president Massimo Moratti was quick to condemn the behaviour and Lega authorities duly decided to punish the San Siro outfit, with Juventus and Napoli also receiving fines for the actions of several supporters.

A statement published on cdn.legaseriea.it read: "A fine of 15,000 has been issued to Inter Milan for having supporters who, in the 41st minute of the first half and the 42nd minute of the second half, directed expressions of racial discrimination to the player of another club."

The Lega also confirmed issuing a fine of 15,000 euros to league leaders Juventus, whose fans were heard singing territorial songs about the fans of fierce rivals Napoli during a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina on Saturday night.

Napoli, meanwhile, were handed a 15,000 euro fine after individuals in the away end were adjudged to have shone a laser pen at referee Daniele Orsato during a 1-1 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

After being made aware of the chanting directed at Balotelli, Inter president Moratti outlined his hope there would not be a repeat during the Milan derby on February 24.

"I was told about it because I couldn't make out clearly what they were saying. I'm very sorry about that," Moratti told inter.it.

"I'm very sorry and I really hope it doesn't happen during the derby."

PA