MARIO BALOTELLI has had to run a gauntlet of hate on returning to his old club…despite the absence of fans.
The ex-Manchester City and Liverpool maverick joined Italian club Monza last month.
Mario Balotelli faced the wrath of Brescia fans when he returned to watch his former clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
Striker Balo had spent last season with Brescia, but ended his contract following their relegation and a bitter fall-out last summer.
He was not part of Monza’s squad for their Serie B trip to Brescia on Monday, but opted to drive back to his old stamping ground to support his team-mates.
However the 30-year-old was greeted with banners bearing abusive messages.
And Brescia officials banned Balotelli from parking his car at their Mario Rigamonti stadium.
Hardcore Ultra fans also reportedly harassed the Italy international, despite the game being played behind closed doors due to a Covid-19 lockdown.
One banner read: “Balotelli, other players have loved this city. You are worth nothing to us.
“A man with no class. You are f****d.”
Balotelli grew up in Brescia before his career first took off at Inter Milan in 2007.
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The frontman watched Monza lose 1-0 to his old club before excusing himself on social media.
He wrote: “I am sorry about those banners, but the truth is Brescia has always been a home to me and will always have my respect.
“I agree that my performances for Brescia last season were not the true Mario. I’m sorry at how things turned out.”
Balotelli joined Italian club Monza last month after leaving Brescia
Mario Balotelli scores for Monza after just 4 minutes against Salernitana
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
