A fine for racist soccer fans has been issued. The Italian league has fined Inter Milan as well as soccer player Mario Balotelli after some racist things were said and vulgar gestures were made. On Feb. 26, Sports Illustrated reported that there were three separate fines issued by the league and the sum of money to be paid is over $90,000.
According to the report, Balotelli will have to pay over $13,000 after making a vulgar gesture at Inter Milan fans. Inter Milan was fined $13,300 for an insulting banner that its fans unveiled and they were fined another $66,500 for racist chants aimed at Balotelli who is of Ghana descent.
The fine for racist soccer fans is to be paid by the team, not the fans themselves. Many people believe that Inter Milan should face steeper penalties because they did nothing to control the crowds of people who were acting ridiculous. According to reports, people were waving inflated bananas in the air and yelling hateful things at Balotelli. They turned a soccer game in to something terrible.
Balotelli is an essential player on the team, making him an obvious target for "boos" and what have you. However, the racist remarks and discriminatory gestures are completely uncalled for.
The fine for racist soccer fans could lead Inter Milan to prohibit any and all racial slurs and gestures made by fans (and players).
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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