AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli raises finger to mouth to silence insults, racial taunts

By The Associated Press

MILAN – Mario Balotelli of AC Milan was subjected to racial taunts by fans of his former club Sunday, but he kept his composure and held a finger to his mouth to signal for quiet.

Inter supporters waved inflated bananas and whistled at Balotelli, who is of Ghanian descent. He was facing Inter for the first time since transferring from Manchester City to Milan last month.

He gestured to the fans in the second half of a game that ended 1-1.

Balotelli had three scoring chances, notably a header in which goalkeeper Samir Handanovic made a spectacular save.

“Balotelli did very well not to react to the provocations, I’m just sorry he wasn’t able to score,” Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri said. “He had a great first half. Let’s not forget that he’s 22 years old and he was playing against his former squad. It’s to be expected that he felt pressure for this match.”

Balotelli played for Inter from 2006-10, helping the club to three titles in his final season with the team. He already has four goals for Milan.

The derby ended 1-1.

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