Appeal court reverses Juve fan ban

May 1, 2009

ROME (AFP) – The Italian Olympic Committee’s (Coni) appeal court on Thursday overturned a sanction imposed against Juventus after a section of their fans racially abused Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The Italian Football League had ordered Juve to play their next home league match, against Lecce on Sunday, behind closed doors as punishment for their failure to react to the racist chanting during the 1-1 draw earlier this month.

Juventus appealed and after Italy’s Federal Court of Justice upheld the ban, they took it to the High Court, claiming that the sanction was too harsh.

Balotelli, 18, whose parents are Ghanaian but who was raised in Italy, was abused by some home fans after they became irritated with his on-field behaviour.

Juve may yet have to play a game behind closed doors as the High Court will review the case on May 15 before making a final decision.

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