Italian politician sparks off 'race row' by portraying Balotelli as 'cabbage worker' in photo

London, June 22 (ANI): Italy striker has landed in another race controversy after an Italian politician posted a photoshopped image of the fiery striker, as a cabbage-picker.

The picture, which was put up on right-wing Future and Liberty party member Paolo Ciani's personal Facebook profile, was seen in reference to many African and South American migrants, who work as vegetable harvesters in Italian fields.

However, Ciani, 51, defended himself from accusations of racial overtones to the picture.

"How can they accuse me of racism. I work with non-European Union nationals. This is the best response to this presumed racism," the Daily Mirror quoted Ciani, as saying.

"What I was doing was making a footballing comment, I was highlighting how Balotelli had committed a bad foul which could have got him sent off, then his reaction after scoring was so over the top one of his team mates had to put his hand over his mouth," he clarified.

Ciani said Balotelli with 'his extravagance and vision on life' is a 'poor example for the younger generation'. (ANI)