Mario Balotelli Threatens Racists with Death at Euro 2012?

Mario Balotelli, Italy and Manchester City's controversial striker, declared his intention to "kill" anyone who throws a banana at him during a Euro 2012 match. He said this in an interview with France Football in a h/t to Reuters and Moneycontrol.

The Moneycontrol interview with Balotelli was published on May 30. The controversial Italian striker said that he was not afraid to go to jail for his intention.

Balotelli later expressed hope that there are no racist incidents in Euro 2012 or he will return home. What was Balotelli thinking when he made these statements, which should be taken at face value?

It is understandable that Balotelli was abused by fans from other clubs during his spell with Inter Milan. At the same time, it is also understandable that former players such as Sol Campbell warn about racist incidents in Poland and the Ukraine during an interview with the BBC.

While Poland and the Ukraine need to be monitored during Euro 2012 for acts of racism and hooliganism, everyone needs to be monitored. What Balotelli said in the interview does not help the equation but adds salt to an already festering wound creating unnecessary tension on both sides of the equation in Euro 2012.

In the USA, a person threatening another with death would automatically go to jail. In the case of Euro 2012, the Ukraine and Poland are fighting back with public relations measures such as Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea and Ukraine) defending his country according to an article published by Reuters.

The reason for writing this article is to condemn the hatred and racism of anyone (regardless of nationality, race, creed, and religion) in the sports world. It is also to condemn those who respond to provocations by expressing or using extreme measures to combat them.

I am sad and angry that Euro 2012 had to arrive at this extreme. While it is understandable that such incidents cannot be eliminated totally, it is hoped that they are identified and reduced.

It remains to be seen what will transpire, but I want to see a Euro 2012 without strife. Thank you.