Gattuso rejects Italy's racist tag, labels Boateng's attack as isolated

Published on: 09 January 2013

AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso has denied Italy is a racist country and claims Kevin-Prince Boateng's racist attack is an isolated incident. 

Boateng was racially abused by Pro Patria fans at the Busto Arsizio during a friendly game last week, forcing the 25-year-old Ghanaian to walk off the pitch.

Italy striker Mario Balotelli who is off a Ghanaian descent has also been subjected to racial abuse in the past by Italian fans.

But former Italy international Gattuso says the problem is not as widespread as it is being portrayed and believes the Pro Patria incident was down to the action of just a handful of young men.

"The case of racism in Busto Arsizio (where Pro Patria play), (it was) four boys (who were responsible)," the 35-year-old told Sky Sport 24.

"Italy is not a racist country. I know Busto Arsizio, there are many foreigners who live there.

"I remember for example the banana thrown at Roberto Carlos in Russia, I do not think the racism is that widespread in Italian stadiums."

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