Police investigating Balotelli racist abuse
Police have launched a probe after Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was subjected to racial abuse on Twitter.
Following Manchester United's shock 5-3 defeat to newly-promoted Leicester City, the Italian international took to social media to have a laugh at his rivals.
While Balotelli probably anticipated a backlash from furious United fans, the situation escalated as racial slurs were directed at the 24-year-old.
Vile abuse
According to PA Sport, one particularly vile tweet aimed at the ex-Manchester City striker from a user going by the handle of @CraigSainsbury - an account which now seems to have been since deleted - read: "F*** you Mario you f****** n*****. Go eat some bananas and get ebola you dirty monkey."
A complaint was filed by anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out, prompting Merseyside police to investigate.
A statement from the police read: "We can confirm officers are looking into offensive comments made on Twitter about Mario Balotelli earlier today."
Known for his controversial nature on and off the pitch, Balotelli has been subjected to racist abuse in the past in his homeland while playing for Italy as well as previous clubs Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Source: PA Sport
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