By Mark Baber
February 6 – A storm of protest has been unleashed by vice-President of AC Milan, Paolo Berlusconi, the brother of ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi, after he described the club’s new acquisition, Mario Ballotelli, as “”il negretto della famiglia” (the n***** of the family).
Paolo Berlusconi made the remark at a function held on behalf of a candidate for Silvio Berlusconi’s right wing Popolo della Libertà, (PDL) party in Monza.
The incident was caught on camera and the clip is being shown on YouTube http://youtu.be/ggQyq8tkwkw
Members of the audience can be seen laughing as the younger Berlusconi winds up the function saying, “Okay, we are all off to see the family’s little n*****. He’s a crazy head. All the young ladies are invited as well – you can even have a chance to meet the president (Silvio Berlusconi).”
The remark comes a month after Silvio Belusconi defended AC Milan players for walking off the pitch when Kevin Prince Boateng was racially abused by Pro Patria fans and after AC Milan’s multi-cultural squad of players displayed the slogan “AC Milan against racism” prominently on their shirts during the match against Siene January 6.
Silvio Berlusconi has separately praised Kevin Prince Boateng for the strength of his actions.
Italy lawmakers have also subsequently put in place a procedure of match officials and stadium officials to follow by which teams will be taken off the pitch in the face of racial abuse.
Paolo Berlusconi’s remarks come at an embarrassing time for the AC Milan club and his brother Silvio who is attempting to repair his reputation in the eyes of the Italian people.
AC Milan closed the deal to sign the Italian forward and bring him back to Italy from Manchester City at the close of last month’s transfer window. Balotelli had become a cult figure amongst Premier League fans in England for his off-beat antics, and English fans, whatever their club, had generally expressed their disappointment at his departure from the Premier League.
This was probably not the welcome he was expecting on his return to Italy, having started with two goals in his first game back.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734803957labto1734803957ofdlr1734803957owedi1734803957sni@o1734803957fni1734803957