Italy striker Mario Balotelli was racially abused by Spain fans during the 1-1 draw between the two sides, according to photographers at the game.

Balotelli played the first 56 minutes for the Azzurri before being replaced by Antonio Di Natale. Photographers witnessed around 300 Spanish fans bombard the Manchester City forward with abuse.

Freelancer Chris, 35, from Liverpool took a photograph of two fans who he says were frequently involved in the abuse. "I was sat behind the goal with all the Spanish fans behind me and they were involved in monkey chanting and laughter and mockery whenever Balotelli was on the ball," he explained.

"The ringleaders were two fans who were in fancy dress as Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal. But the stewards just seemed to think it was a laugh, and they did nothing. They seemed to think it was a giggle.

"These two were at the centre of it in my view but there were hundreds in the Spanish section joining in. I would say there were around 200-300 who joined in at times. It was especially bad when Balotelli was involved in any kind of trouble or altercation, for example when he was booked."

Getty Images photographer Michael Steele, 46, from Wells, Somerset, said the shameful abuse was loud and unmistakable.

"I could not see who was involved but it was obvious they were monkey chants," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"It was disgusting. There is no excuse for it. I am pretty sure Balotelli knew what was going on and heard it as he was close to that section of the crowd when he was booked.

"There were also what sounded like derogatory chants in Spanish with his name involved, but I do not know what they meant."

Balotelli had previously claimed that he would walk off the field if he was abused and would "kill" any racists.

Italy face Croatia on Thursday in their next Group C match.