UEFA to investigate banana-throwing reports
Reuters - Friday 15 June 2012, 17:56
UEFA is investigating reports that a
banana was thrown on to the pitch during Italy's 1-1 draw
against Croatia in the Euro 2012 Group C match in Poznan on
Thursday, European football's governing body said on Friday.
Racism was a major source of concern in Poland and Ukraine
before the tournament and Italy striker Mario Balotelli said he
would "kill" anyone who threw bananas at him in the street or
walk off the pitch if he heard monkey noises during a match.
An Italy spokesman said there had been no official protest
because no one in the Italian camp was aware of the reports.
Italy did complain to UEFA about their anthem being booed by
Spain and Croatia fans before the first two matches in the
tournament and the ruling body is also investigating reports
that Balotelli was racially abused during the opening game
against the Spanish.