Napoli have denied reports that racial abuse was the reason why AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli broke down in tears during Saturday's Serie A game between the two sides.

The Italy international appeared to be upset in the dugout at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples yesterday, prompting suggestions that the 23-year-old was subjected to racism prior to his substitution during his side's 3-1 defeat.

However, the Partenopei have released a statement via their Facebook page refuting the notion that their supporters abused the Milan forward.

"With regards to some debates that appeared on Facebook according to which Mario Balotelli cried at the stadium last night because of alleged racist chants towards him, Napoli underline that, as everyone present at the stadium could tell, there were no racist chants against him, just as there have never been racist chants at the San Paolo against anyone," read the statement.

Balotelli has often been the victim of racist chanting since returning to Serie A last year, with a number of clubs - including his former team Inter Milan - fined due to their supporters' treatment of the striker.