Verona given partial stadium closure after racism at Balotelli

The Sports Judge considered that the chants, despite having been chanted by a small number of fans, were "heard clearly both by the footballer and representatives of federal prosecution who were at the stadium", Serie A said in a statement. 

"For this reason, the league orders the closure for one game of the Poltrone Est stand". They also said it would be with immediate effect. 

In the 55th minute of the match between Hellas Verona and Brescia, Balotelli heard racist chanting from the Bentegodi stadium just a few metres from the corner flag. He booted the ball towards the stands in protest. 

The referee stopped the game for three minutes while Balotelli's teammates and opponents tried to persuade him to carry on, something which he finally did. 

The match ended 2-1 in favour of Verona and Balotelli netted the Brescia goal with a superb strike into the top corner. 

Before the punishment was know, Verona coach Ivan Juric subsequently insisted there was no racist chanting, while the club's president claimed he did not hear any abuse, and Luca Castellini – the head of their ultras – was involved in a controversial radio interview. In the conversation, Castellini said the racial element was only "in [Balotelli's] own head", that Balotelli cannot be considered "completely Italian" and the fans' chants were to "make fun" of the striker, rather than racially abuse him.

 Verona released a statement in response condemning Castellini's comments and barring him from attending matches until June 30, 2030 for "expressions seriously contrary to those that distinguish the ethical principles and values of our club".