Brescia striker Mario Balotelli has released a statement after being the subject of alleged racist abuse during defeat to Hellas Verona.

He kicked the ball into the stands of the Stadio Bentegodi after hearing the chants.

He then threatened to walk off the pitch, before being convinced to stay by teammates and his Hellas Verona opponents, while the referee halted play for several minutes to ensure a warning was read out over the speaker.

“Thank you to all my colleagues on the pitch and off for the solidarity expressed and for all the messages I have received from fans. Thank you from the heart," wrote Balotelli on Instagram.

“You proved yourselves to be real men, not like those who deny the evidence."

He continued: “To those 'people' in the Curva who made monkey noises at me… Shame on you. Shame on you. Shame on you. That you do this in front of your children, your wives, your parents, your family and friends… Shame."