MARIO BALOTELLI was yet again the target of racial abuse in Italy, as Sunday’s match against Lazio was halted half an hour to address chanting by visiting fans.

The match at Brescia’s Stadio Mario Rigamonti was halted momentarily in the 31st minute as a stadium announcement was made to condemn the racist chanting, telling fans the match would be abandoned if they did not stop. Brescia fans responded by chanting Balotelli’s name in support of their player.

Balotelli has been the target of repeated racist chanting this season throughout Serie A play, including against Inter Milan and Hellas Verona. He was even racially abused by his own fans and club president at times this season.

The 29-year-old Italian international scored the opener in the match on 18 minutes, but Brescia was ultimately beaten late as Ciro Immobile scored twice to give Lazio a 2-1 win.

(SD-Agencies)