Footballer Balotelli says he was racially abused in UAE

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Footballer Balotelli says he was racially insulted while playing in UAE

February 12, 2026

DUBAI,— Former Italy international Mario Balotelli said he experienced racial abuse while playing for Emirati second-division club Al-Ittifaq in a match against Dubai City on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Balotelli, 35, who has played for high-profile clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, joined Al-Ittifaq last month after leaving Italian side Genoa.

Posting on Instagram following a 2-0 defeat to Hatta, Balotelli said he was repeatedly subjected to racist comments during the match. He wrote that he was repeatedly told, “Uh uh uh, go eat a banana.”

“Racism has no place in football or in society,” Balotelli said. “This behaviour cannot be normalised, excused, or ignored. I am speaking out to raise awareness, not just for myself but for all players who face this kind of treatment. Enough is enough.”

Requests for comment from Al-Ittifaq and Dubai City were not immediately returned.

Balotelli, who has previously spoken publicly about racism in football, said he did not expect to face such incidents in the United Arab Emirates.

“I have always condemned all acts of racism, but I did not expect it here. I hope strong measures are taken to ensure this does not happen again,” he added.

UAE Federal Anti‑Discrimination Law

Footballer Mario Balotelli, 2012. Photo: Creative Commons/wikimedia

The UAE has laws aimed at preventing discrimination and hate speech. Federal Decree-Law No. 2 of 2015 criminalizes racism, religious intolerance, and other forms of prejudice.

The law imposes penalties including fines of up to AED 2 million, around ($545,000), and potential prison terms, and it covers media, online content, and workplace practices.

Labor regulations also require fair treatment of employees regardless of nationality or background. While enforcement may vary, the legislation signals the UAE government’s commitment to combat discrimination.

The country also promotes diversity and tolerance through public campaigns, official statements, and institutional policies.

Dubai and other emirates emphasize inclusive practices in schools, workplaces, and cultural programs, welcoming residents from a wide range of nationalities and faiths.

Despite these policies, observers note that social biases and structural inequalities remain in some areas.

Balotelli’s statement highlights ongoing concerns about racism in football globally, and it adds to a long list of incidents he has addressed throughout his professional career.

(With files from Reuters)