Manchester City’s controversial forward Mario Balotelli could now be hit with a nine game ban instead of the three he was originally supposed to serve if referee Martin Atkinson says in today’s FA hearing ( April 10, 2012) that he would have sent off the Italian striker for his rash challenge on Arsenal medio Alex Song.
During the game, Balotelli’s first half studs up challenge on Song in the 20th minute of the game went unnoticed by both Atkinson, Peter Kirkup ( assistant referee) and Andre Marriner ( fourth official) ,and he was not penalised for the incident. However Balotelli did eventually go on to collect two yellows, with a clumsy challenge on Bacary Sagna leading to him being sent off late in the game.
Mario Balotelli’s Song challenge- studs up tackle- worthy of a red card?
Because of his two yellow cards collected in the game, Balotelli has to serve a one game ban. And since it was his third red of the season, there is an additional two game suspension involved, which is why the current punishment is a three game ban.
However if referee Atkinson rules that he would have sent Balotelli off for his challenge on Song, then that would be treated as an automatic red by the FA. An automatic red would lead to a direct three game suspension, and this being his fourth red, it would mean a further three game suspension, leading to a possible total of nine.
Balotelli, who was involved in a bust-up with Serbian team mate Kolarov during his side’s 3-3 draw last week, will therefore sit out the remainder of the season and with Mancini revealing to the media that he is tired of the Italian’s antics, the temperamental youngster could well be shown the door at the Etihad at the end of the season.
The problem with City is finding a buyer for the player whom Inter manager Jose Mourinho once described as “unmanageable”
Balotelli has already apologised to his team-mates for his red against Arsenal through his agent Mino Raiola and has said he would like to hold talks with City regarding his future at the Etihad.
Balotelli was purchased by City from Inter in 2010 for £24m, but his time at City has never been short of incidents. As Mancini put it to the press
You should be happy if Mario stays here, He fills 1, 2, 3 pages of your newspaper
So what next for Balotelli? Only time will tell.
EDIT- As on April 10, 2012, the FA have decided not to hand a supplementary ban to Balotelli.
He will therefore serve only a three game ban and not a nine game one.
Going by what other studs up challenges have been punished with, Mario’s challenge on Alex deserves nothing less than a red.
Great talent Mario but big attitude problems
no where near the ball
sorry mario, there’s no reason why it’s always you this time
He was lucky at that time not to get a red card…
But i don’t understand what he is trying to show…
When I watch this guy on TV, it makes me wonder why there are so many famine black people in the world who deserve to live with at least a little dignity, and in the meantime this guy who was gifted with such a talent and is able to have a great life shows no dignity for himself and is contempt for his professional colleagues. This kid is shameful and deserved to be left alone in a desert to starve to death. Enough said.
I will find you and stud you in the shin.
– Balotelli
I think Balotelli is a great player, i lyk his game. To mi he is the best penalty taker and finisher so far and he need only to change on being carried by emotions.