MILAN (AP) — Racial taunts against Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli have prompted the Italian league to ban a section of Juventus fans from attending the next home game.
Juventus supporters sitting in the southern curve of the Stadio Olimpico for Wednesday’s 3-0 Italian Cup win over Napoli chanted derogatory slogans about Balotelli during halftime.
An appeal over the stadium’s public address system asking the fans to stop was ignored.
Last season, Juventus was ordered to play a home game without fans after abused Balotelli, who is of Ghanian descent.
The ban will take effect against AS Roma on Jan. 23. Juventus indicated it would not appeal the ban.
Last week, Balotelli was fined by the Italian league for mocking Chievo fans after racial taunts.