When will they learn? Italy boss Prandelli in racist gaffe as he says Balotelli was allowed at charity event as 'his colour is different'

By Graeme Yorke

PUBLISHED: 16:23 EST, 21 June 2013 | UPDATED: 09:09 EST, 22 June 2013

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli caused outrage in a news conference at the Confederations Cup by saying that Mario Balotelli was let out of the hotel 'because his colour is a little different than ours'.

Balotelli was given special permission to attend a charity event on Friday while the rest of Italy's squad was kept inside the team hotel to avoid running into anti-government protests.

Prandelli later clarified his statement during the conference, saying he was joking.

Gaffe: Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli and forward Mario Balotelli during Italy's training session

Gaffe: Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli and forward Mario Balotelli during Italy's training session

'He was the only one who had permission because his color is a little different than ours,' the coach said with a laugh.

He added that Balotelli - the son of Ghanaian immigrants and Italy's only black player - was allowed out because he was accompanied by people showing him where to go and because he was taking part in a social project. 

Balotelli supports a social project for one of Salvador's largest slums. 

'He had special permission, considering the types of things he has done here and that he has already been here twice,' Prandelli added. 'It's important for a footballer to realize how fortunate he is and to help others.'

It doesn't appear that Balotelli was offended. He tweeted, 'I look like a person from Bahia!!!'

Goals: Balotelli has scored twice in the Confederations Cup so far

Goals: Balotelli has scored twice in the Confederations Cup so far

The decision to keep the team in side the hotel was made after police shot tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse a small crowd of protesters trying to break through a barrier blocking one of the city's streets.

Also in Salvador on Thursday, a bus carrying FIFA logos was one of several parked vehicles attacked with stones, local organizing committee spokesman Saint-Clair Milesi said.

Prandelli denied speculation that Italy had asked to withdraw from the tournament.

'We have avoided leaving the hotel and there is some concern but we're not considering returning home,' Prandelli said Friday.

Big game: Italy have won their opening two matches and next play Brazil in Group A

Big game: Italy have won their opening two matches and next play Brazil in Group A

More protests are expected in Salvador on Saturday when Italy meets host Brazil, part of an ongoing wave of demonstrations that involved 1 million people across the country Thursday.

There have been violent protests before each of Brazil's two matches at the tournament so far.

'If someone protests and expresses their unhappiness they should be respected, as long as the protest is done in a non-violent manner,' Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo said.

'As sportsmen we're hoping that tomorrow there is a great football match at the stadium and that nothing happens outside the stadium,' Prandelli said. 'It would be a paradox if inside the stadium we're trying to put on a show for the fans and 150 meters outside the stadium there is violence.'

Rampage: Protestors run away from a policeman during the riots in Rio

Rampage: Protestors run away from a policeman during the riots in Rio

Italy are staying in a hotel located seven kilometers (four miles) from Salvador's Arena Fontenova stadium. 

Each of the eight teams in the tournament have police escorts when they move around, and Italy have a security coordinator from Rome coordinating arrangements with local officials.

Brazil's squad has had extra security since arriving in Salvador.

'Civil protests can stimulate improvement for the country, but when they turn violent it becomes worrisome,' Prandelli said. 'When there are a lot of people it becomes difficult to control those who turn violent.'

Outrage: Thousands of Brazilians have taken to the streets during the last few days

Outrage: Thousands of Brazilians have taken to the streets during the last few days

Prandelli said that none of his players have expressed fear over the protests or a desire to leave Brazil.

'No, not that I'm aware of,' he said. 'We're focusing on the match. We're attentive to what is going on around us but we don't have any worries of that sort.'

 

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the man was joking..........typical media making a big deal out of nothing.....the world is on racism mode anything you say boom it racist.

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Fishing for an outrageous story? No bite.

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Like 99% of every else the DM publish, this is a complete NON-story.

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Why do you Brits always try to make everything bout race & make everyone else look like they're racist?

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I don't think other cultures walk on eggshells as we have been brainwashed into doing.

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People now knows better... We want sports news that's why we come here.

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DM, please explain, how exactly you have construed these comments as racist?

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This is a hyperbole out of control story about the failings of Italian society, ironically as a million Brazilians are protesting against their flailing Government. Prandelli represents equality. When words are used, you can flip them any which way, but the context is crucial to the analysis. There is no racist or derogatory slur.

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Stupid thing to say and you people are fools for making excuses

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The reality is that PC drivel like this only comes from white liberal masochists.

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