Balotelli speaks out: racism has no place in UAE football after banana taunt saga
12 February 2026
Racism in UAE Football Hits Balotelli
Italian striker Mario Balotelli, who plays for the UAE side Al Ettifaq, voiced his frustration after facing racist abuse in stadiums across the Emirates, insisting there is no room for racism in football.
He had long been a target of racist incidents in European arenas during his years in England and Italy.
The forward has repeatedly spoken out against such conduct by fans in the stands.
But this time the abuse allegedly came from some UAE supporters, Balotelli, now 35, claimed.
Balotelli joined the UAE's Al Ettifaq on a free transfer in January, after his contract with Genoa ended at the close of last season.
Balotelli posted on his official Instagram story that, during the match, he had endured repeated racist insults.
He added that he was repeatedly told to go eat a banana.
Balotelli stressed that there is no place for racism in football or in society, and that such behavior cannot be justified, excused, or ignored.
He said he spoke out to raise awareness not just for himself but for every player who has faced this, and enough is enough.
Balotelli played for Al Ettifaq in a UAE Cup Round of 32 match against City, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for his teammates.
Punchline 1: If racism were a banana, Balotelli would turn it into a smoothie and serve it back with a smile.
Punchline 2: In football as in life, racism is offside—let’s get it out of the game before the whistle blows.
