International striker, Mario Balotelli, was held back by teammates as he wanted to confront Fiorentina fans, who booed AC Milan, as they left by train after a Serie A game, Italian media reported on Monday.
The fans awaited the arrival of the Devils’ bus from Siena late on Sunday at a Florence train station after the Milan club beat Siena 2-1 in their final league match to remain in third place and qualify for the final Champions League berth.
Fiorentina stayed fourth two points behind AC Milan, despite winning 5-1 at Pescara.
They will play in the less prestigious and lucrative Europa League.
Balotelli and Brazilian Robinho tried to confront the fans who seemed to abuse them racially, but were stopped by police and teammates.
Balotelli, who appeared to be the most aggressive, later reiterated a position that he had earlier already made public, tweeting that he would leave the pitch if racially abused, even if it meant leaving his team with 10 men.
The former Manchester City striker was due back in Florence Monday to undergo medical tests with the Italian national team, ahead of next week’s camp, in preparation for the Confederations Cup being played in June in Brazil.
Police are said to have stepped up security measures at the Azzurri camp in Coverciano, which lies just outside Florence.
(dpa/NAN).
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