BY DAN KARELL
In his first Milan derby since his transfer to AC Milan in January, Mario Balotelli was racially abused by fans from his former club during the 1-1 match on Sunday evening.
Inter Milan fans at the San Siro waved bananas at Balotelli whenever he had possession of the ball, or was running near their section. In response, Balotelli just raised a finger to his lips, asking for quiet, and not walking off like teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng did during a friendly match in January.
Inter, who were just fined two weeks ago because of racist abuse towards Balotelli in another league match, are likely to be fined again, following a meeting today of Italian football officials.
Here are some more stories to get your Monday kicked off:
SWANSEA CITY WINS LEAGUE CUP
Welsh club Swansea City won their first ever major trophy in the club’s history on Sunday afternoon, when they beat Bradford City 5-0 to win the League Cup.
101 years and 90 minutes after their founding, Swansea was clear to celebrate amongst their fans at Wembley Stadium. Nathan Dyer and Jonathan De Guzman each scored twice for the Swans, who ended Bradford’s Cinderella run through the cup competition. It’s also Michael Laudrup’s first trophy win as a manager since he won the Danish Cup in 2005.
Swansea City are currently sitting in ninth-place in the English Premier League, and by winning the League Cup, have qualified for next season’s Europa League.
DZEKO LINKED WITH MOVE BACK TO GERMANY
Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko has been lined up for a move back to Germany, according to a report from the German publication Kicker.
Dzeko stated in the report that he would love to move back to the Bundesliga one day, through the Bosnian native denied any rumors of a transfer to Borussia Dortmund this summer. The 26-year-old has found it hard to hold down a permanent spot in the Manchester City starting XI this season.
Dzeko, who leads the team with 12 goals in the Premier League this season, won the 2008-2009 Bundesliga season with Wolfsburg.
QUICK KICKS
In a stunning report from Spain, former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has been alleged to have hired an agency to spy on his players, including Gerard Pique and his relationship with singer Shakira (REPORT)
FIFA has begun an investigation of the Zambian FA for the transfers of eight players from Finland, outside of the transfer window. (REPORT)
Former England boss Steve McClaren has been given the vote of confidence from currently club FC Twente’s chairmen, following their sixth consecutive week without a win. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Inter taking racism accusations seriously? Do you believe that Michael Laudrup will stay at Swansea past this season? Do you see Dzeko leaving this summer?
Share your thoughts below.