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Mario Balotelli's agent criticises UEFA's stance on racism

Balotelli's agent hits out at Platini
© PA Photos
Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola hits out at UEFA president Michel Platini's reaction to potential racism cases during Euro 2012.

Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has criticised UEFA president Michel Platini for his comments regarding potential racial abuse at the European Championships.

The Manchester City and Italy striker claimed before the tournament that he would walk off the pitch if anyone racially abused him during a game, which prompted Platini to say that any player who leaves the field will be cautioned.

"I have to say that the reaction of UEFA to what Mario said was very strange and I would have expected a different reaction," said Raiola. "Mario has had this problem before and in Italy we have a saying - racism is ignorance.

"Mario is the kind of lad where this kind of abuse glides off his back but I was very disappointed with what Michel Platini said and a lot of people are with me on that. I can't say I'm surprised by the reaction, though.

"I don't believe Platini has done anything to improve the game or help the position of players - as his reaction to Mario shows."

Meanwhile, photographers in attendance at Italy's 1-1 draw with Spain on Sunday have claimed that Balotelli was racially abused by supporters during the match.

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