Balotelli chants are due to fear, says Cannavaro

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The Italy icon believes supporters attempt to goad
the striker due to the prowess he has on the pitch
and claims "southerner" songs are due to stupidity
rather than racism
Former Juventus star Fabio Cannavaro believes
supporters chant at Mario Balotelli because they "fear
and respect" the AC Milan striker.
The Italy international has been repeatedly targeted by
groups of opposing fans since his return to Serie A in
January, with Roma issued a fine last season due to
offensive singing within the stands while Inter
supporters also singled out the attacker during
February's Milan derby.
The former Manchester City man was subjected to
further chants by Juventus fans despite not featuring for
the Rossoneri in their 3-2 defeat in Turin, but
Cannavaro feels the fans' efforts to goad the attacker
are simply due to the fact they are afraid of his prowess
on the pitch.
"[Balotelli chants are caused by] fear, perhaps respect.
He has an attitude they don't like, then he is strong and
opponents are scared of him. That's why they goad
him," the World Cup winner wrote in Gazzetta dello
Sport.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani was furious after his side
were handed a stadium ban after alleged perjorative
chants against southern Italians and Cannavaro agrees
that the actions of the minority of fans are motivated
by "stupidity" rather than racial discrimination.
"The insults are not racism, but stupidity. I've been
called a 'southerner' a thousand times, and [Lilian]
Thuram once told me 'Calm down Fabio, they're
insulting me more than you today' when were playing
in Verona," the 40-year-old added.

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