Powar: Racism is a 'disease' in Italy

Powar was speaking in response to the alleged remarks made by AC Milan vice-president Paolo Berlusconi about striker Mario Balotelli. 

Berlusconi - the younger brother of club owner Silvio - was filmed by reporters on Saturday at a political meeting in Monza near Milan describing Balotelli as "negretto della famiglia'' - translated as "the family's little n****''.

The Italy international joined AC Milan from Manchester City on transfer deadline day, scoring twice on his debut against Udinese on Sunday.

"Okay, we are all off to see the family's little n****. He's a crazy head. All the young ladies are invited as well - you can even have a chance to meet the president (Silvio Berlusconi)," Paolo Berlusconi is reported to have said.

The incident comes just four weeks after Silvio Berlusconi praised midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng for walking off the pitch after he was racially abused during a friendly against Pro Patria.

Fellow Serie A side Lazio were given a suspended one-game stadium ban by UEFA after anti-semitic chanting by home fans in a Europa League game against Tottenham in November.

Powar - whose group work throughout Europe to combat discrimination - says racism is an issue which Italy must address.

He claimed: "There is a disease in Italy, and that disease is racism."For us it reinforces the attitudes we have seen in Italy over the last few years with the Kevin-Prince Boateng incident and the previous attitude of Lazio fans.

"This is the sort of video which highlights the issues that many immigrants have to overcome. It highlights the daily reality in a country in Italy.

"This is the brother of your boss telling you what you are.

"Many have seen the impact Berlusconi has had as president and some rhetoric on immigration contradicts the support of Boateng. The whole thing is ridden with contradiction.

"He wants to be seen defending his team. The success of Milan, we should be clear, is linked with political success. He was always going to support his players.

"Here we have his brother who is arguably doing worse things than (the Pro Patria fans) because he is in a position of power."

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) told Press Association Sport that unless a formal complaint was received they would not be investigating the matter.

An FIGC spokesman referred to the extensive material published in the wake of Boateng's decision to walk off the pitch at Pro Patria for any clarification of the federation's determined stance against racism.

And Powar doubts there will be any punishment handed out to Paolo Berlusconi.

"There is nothing the club will do," he added. "We shouldn't fool ourselves.

"In time we will see condemnation about this. It contradicts what Italy says it is about; a modern nation.

"It is imperative progressive voices come forward and sound out a future vision for Italy."

A spokesman for AC Milan told Press Association Sport on Wednesday: "We will not be making any statement on the matter."