Italy manager Cesare Prandelli sorry for Mario Balotelli 'joke'

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has apologised for saying that Mario Balotelli was the only player allowed out of the team hotel in Brazil because he is black.

Security advisors told the squad they should not leave during protests that have marred the Confederations Cup.
Prandelli said the AC Milan striker was permitted to leave the hotel because his "colour is different to ours".
But he later said: "I'm sorry. It was a joke. Of course."
It emerged that former Manchester City striker Balotelli was involved in charity work, helping children from some of Salvador's poorest areas.

“The situation has changed from Rio, when we could visit the city with no problems. Here we have been forbidden from leaving the hotels”

Cesare Prandelli Italy manager

"Before I said something about the colour of our skin," added Prandelli. "I am glad we clarified that issue about why he was the only one allowed out.

"He was surrounded by all these people but he was working with a charity and doing something nice."