It now seems that controversy is everywhere the Azzurri turn. From pre-tournament match fixing scandals, Cassano's misinterpreted comments, to the moronic racism that has targeted Balotelli - the Azzurri is knee deep in it.
The previous controversies I didn't want to touch on. I felt that the media was simply playing host to spreading sensational propaganda that had little to do with the Azzurri. But today's revelation that the Croatian Federation is being investigated by UEFA for defamation by their fans to our star striker has... for lack of a better term... pissed me off.
Living in North America; and watching many of their so-called sports; racism seems like a thing of the past. I mean, you don't hear "Monkey Noises" or you don't see Banana's being thrown onto a basketball court during a match. It's sheer lunacy that we continue to see such defamation of players due to their race or ethnicity. Actually, it's quite shocking that a continent who claims to be as progressive as Europe does tolerates such nonsense.
There are more important things for fans of these nations to be concerned about than targeting someone's race... for a start; try focusing on how the politicians of these countries are single handedly running their economies into the ground.
I bring this topic up not because I like Balotelli; I bring it up because; in all my years of watching football, I have never seen racism take such a centre stage at an International Tournament. True, FIFA has always claimed to be against racism; but in this tournament; Mario Balotelli is not only a pivotal figure on the pitch, it's off the pitch that his persona and talent are finally shedding light on an issue that has been silenced for years.
Here's the article of the investigation courtesy of the Huffington Post:
WARSAW, Poland -- UEFA made its first formal charges of racism at the European Championship on Saturday, opening a case against the Croatian soccer association after receiving reports that fans made monkey chants at Italy forward Mario Balotelli.
Croatia is charged with "improper conduct" of supporters, including "racist chants, racist symbols" at a game in Poznan on Thursday, the European soccer governing body said in a statement.
UEFA received reports from anti-discrimination monitors working with Football Against Racism in Europe, who wrote that Croatia fans made monkey noises and displayed far-right nationalist flags.
Balotelli, who is black, started the game for Italy against Croatia, and was replaced in the second half of the 1-1 draw.
"It was fairly consistent throughout the game," FARE executive director Piara Powar told The Associated Press. "It was at its most intense as he was substituted and left the field."
The charge also relates to fireworks thrown on the field after Croatia scored, which delayed Italy's kickoff to restart the game.
UEFA said its disciplinary panel will judge the case against Croatia on Tuesday.
UEFA rules make national associations responsible for their fans' behavior. Punishments range from warnings and a sliding scale of fines to points deductions and even expulsion from Euro 2012.
UEFA is also studying reports that a banana was thrown toward the field from a section housing Croatia fans.
Balotelli has been the target of reported abuse at both Italy matches at Euro 2012.
UEFA is investigating claims by a Spanish fans' group that some Spain followers made monkey chants at him during a Group C match last Sunday in Gdansk.
In a separate investigation, UEFA is seeking evidence to support claims that Russian fans made monkey noises at Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie in Wroclaw.
UEFA pledged zero tolerance of racism in Poland and Ukraine during the three-week tournament.
*Please note: I don't like introducing politics into the Footballing fold. I do believe this is history unfolding right in front of us; this is an issue that will affect future tournaments and future leagues. If handled correctly, UEFA could be on the right side of history.
Who here thinks they should boot Croatia from the tournament!?
We'll have a pre-match summary for you shortly!
Forza Italia and Forza Azzurri
