Italian club Hellas Verona have been ordered to close part of their stadium for one game following the racist abuse of Mario Balotelli.
Brescia striker Balotelli kicked the ball into the crowd and threatened to walk off the pitch after being abused during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Verona.
On Tuesday, Serie A’s disciplinary commission ordered the closure of the Poltrone Est stand as punishment.
That came after Verona banned the head of their ultras fan group for 11 years.
Luca Castellini had said ex-Manchester City and Liverpool striker Balotelli, 29, can “never be completely Italian”.
Verona said Castellini’s comments were “seriously” against the “ethical principles and values of our club”.
On Monday, Italy international Balotelli responded to Castellini by saying his comments had “nothing to do with football”.
