MARIO BALOTELLI was praised today by anti-racism campaigners for highlighting an offensive banner displayed by fans at his comeback game for Italy.

Anti-discrimination group Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare) wrote on Twitter: “Well done to Mario Balotelli, standing up to racism in Italian football once again.”

The slogan: “My captain is of Italian blood” in Italian was draped on a pitch-side wall during Italy’s 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia yesterday in Switzerland.

Balotelli scored the opening goal with a powerful shot in his first national-team game since the 2014 World Cup.

On his Instagram account, Balotelli posted an image of the banner, adding his own message: “We are in 2018 guys. Wake up!”