AC Milan vice president Paolo Berlusconi has been overheard using a racist slur to describe new signing Mario Balotelli.

Paolo Berlusconi, the brother of Milan owner Silvio, labelled Balotelli as "the family's little n*****" when speaking at a political meeting in Monza shortly before the former Manchester City striker made his debut for the Rossoneri on Sunday.

The comments were caught on film by local reporters and have been shown on the website of Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

Paolo Berlusconi was recorded saying: "Okay, we are all off to see the family's little n*****. He's a crazy head. All the young ladies are invited as well - you can even have a chance to meet the president (Silvio Berlusconi)."

Balotelli signed for Milan from Manchester City during the January transfer window for around £20 million and scored twice on his debut as they beat Udinese 2-1.

The controversy follows last month's racial abuse of Kevin-Prince Boateng by Pro Patria fans, when the Milan midfielder left the field of play as a reaction to the taunting.

Regarding Boateng's decision to walk off, Silvio Berlusconi said in January: "I called Kevin-Prince Boateng a little while ago and I congratulated him for his reaction against the disgraceful episode of racism that took place in the stadium of Pro Patria in Busto Arsizio.

"I am very happy by Milan's reaction and be assured that in all games where we experience episodes of this kind, Milan will leave the field."