Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Bastia have handed a stadium ban to a supporter in relation to the alleged racist abuse aimed at Nice striker Mario Balotelli.

Former Manchester City and Liverpool forward Balotelli claims he was the subject of "monkey noises" throughout Friday's 1-1 Ligue 1 draw in Corsica.

The French Football League (LFP) subsequently announced an investigation into the allegations and Bastia launched an appeal for fans to come forward.

And, on Wednesday, Bastia confirmed they had banned one of their supporters from Stade Armand-Cesari after he made himself known.

A statement on the club's website read: "The club launched an appeal on the "Stonda Turchina" show, on France Bleu Frequenza Mora and SCBTV, to the supporter in question to make himself known.

(Image: AFP/Getty) (Image: Icon Sport via Getty)

"Regretting his attitude and aware of the repercussions, this person responded to our appeal and came to the Stade Armand-Cesari yesterday (Tuesday).

"Acknowledging he was responsible for the incriminating chants, the man in his 40s, who has for many years been a regular in the east stand, has been notified by SCB of the deactivation of his season ticket along with a general ban from the Stade de Furiani."

Balotelli, who moved to the Cote d'Azur from Liverpool last summer, took to Instagram on Saturday morning to say he was subjected to racist abuse throughout the encounter.

He posted a plain black image alongside the message: "Yesterday the result against Bastia was right.. we will work more and try to get our objective.. the referee was good too, but I have a question for French people.

"Is it normal that Bastia supporters make monkey noise 'uh uh' for the whole game and no one of the 'commissions discipline' say nothing? So is racism LEGAL in France? Or only in Bastia?

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

"Football is an amazing sport..those people like Bastia supporters make it horrible!"

Nice midfielder Alassane Plea said he also heard racist abuse being directed at the Italy forward.

Plea told French television's football show Telefoot on Sunday: "Yes, I can confirm it.

"We heard it in the warm-up and during the game. They were monkey noises.

"Balotelli was very, very upset. They insulted him the whole game. It was just a few supporters of Bastia who did this."

Bastia's statement added: "Having never noticed or been informed that evening of this stupid and unacceptable behaviour, the Sporting Club of Bastia considered that all light had to be shone on this incident."

Balotelli has been a key player for Nice this season, scoring eight league goals for Lucien Favre's high-flying side.