UEFA probing Balotelli racism claims

UEFA on Tuesday said that it was investigating claims Italy striker Mario Balotelli was racially abused during the country's Group C match against Spain."Following the provision of new independent information today (Tuesday) regarding the two cases of alleged racist chanting in the Spain-Italy and Russia-Czech Republic matches, UEFA is now conducting further investigations," it said in a statement."There are, however, no disciplinary proceedings open at this moment in time."But Italy coach Cesare Prandelli on Monday rejected outright claims in a British newspaper that Spanish fans taunted Manchester City player Balotelli with monkey noises during the 1-1 draw in Gdansk, northern Poland."That's absolutely untrue," said the Azzurri coach.Balotelli, 21, has said that he would walk off the pitch if he were racially abused by fans.

Source: AFP