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UEFA To Probe Juventus After Claims That Fans Racially Abused Inter Striker Mario Balotelli

The Old Lady are bracing themselves as UEFA consider launching an investigation for racist chants...

Nov 26, 2009 12:49:31 PM

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Juventus could be in hot water as UEFA are on the precipice of deciding whether or not to open an investigation against the club relating to alleged racial abuse of Inter striker Mario Balotelli during the Champions League match against Bordeaux.

Media reports suggested racial abuse towards the striker was heard coming from the Juventus fans in the Stade Chaban-Delmas during the 2-0 loss to the French side on Wednesday.

The supposed incident came just a day after Juve were sanctioned and fined €20,000 by the Italian FA for racist chants against Balotelli during Sunday's clash against Udinese.

UEFA are now on standby and ready to launch an investigation into the reported incidents in France. The federation's communications spokesman Thomas Giordano has confirmed they are awaiting the referee and delegate's match report before deciding whether to take action against the club.

"Once we receive the referee's report it will be filed to the disciplinary commission who decides whether or not to open an investigation," Giordano told ANSA.

"The reports should arrive [at UEFA HQ] in Nyon on Friday at the latest. An investigation could be opened based on witness statements, media or television reports, but only after we receive the delegate's and referee's reports."

Juventus could be in trouble if found guilty as UEFA take a zero tolerance approach on racism.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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