MERSEYSIDE Police are investigating racial abuse aimed at Liverpool FC’s Mario Balotelli on Twitter.
The former Manchester City striker was on the receiving end of a volley of offensive tweets yesterday after he mocked Manchester United’s 5-3 defeat to Leicester City on the social media site.
Within moments of Balotelli’s short tweet “Man United….LOL” the familiar grim tirade of insults aimed at black players began. Others tweeted pictures of bananas and told the player to "get ebola".
Police said that although nobody from the club, or the player himself, had so far made a formal complaint, it was carrying out enquiries after being made aware of the comments.
“We can confirm an investigation is under way following racist comments made on social media earlier today (Sunday, 21 September),” said a police statement. “Officers were made aware of the comments on Mario Balotelli's Twitter account at about 4.30pm
“No formal complaint had been received from the club or player at this time, however officers are making enquiries into the matter.”
Many of the accounts that posted the tweets have since closed down.
Balotelli has been the victim of abuse on a number of occasions throughout his career.
"Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Merseyside Police on the 101 number," said the statement.
